College Sports Established
1947
Location
Corpus Christi, Texas
College Name
Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
Collegiate History
2006 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2006 - Present / Southland Conference
Nickname
Islanders - The Texas A&M–Corpus Christi Islanders are an NCAA Division I college sports team that has been around since 1947. But many don't know that "Islanders" has an interesting origin story.
In the early days of the school's existence, Corpus Christi was known as “the Island City” due to its location on a barrier island off the South Texas Gulf Coast. It made sense then for their athletic teams to adopt this nickname when they first began competing against other schools in 1947.
Since then, the Islanders have become one of only two NCAA Division I programs in South Texas (the other being UTSA). The team has also experienced great success over its 75-year history, with multiple conference championships and postseason appearances across various sports, including men’s basketball, women’s golf, and softball.
In addition to having an iconic logo featuring an islander wearing sunglasses surrounded by waves crashing onto shorelines – which serves as a reminder of where their roots lie – it's clear why so many fans all over take pride in cheering on these proud athletes each season! With such strong ties between past successes and present-day accomplishments, it's easy to see why this unique nickname will remain part of Corpus Christi culture for years to come!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1966
- 2007
- 2016
- 2018
-
The Islanders compete in the NAIA as a member of the Lone Star Conference
In 1966: The University of Corpus Christi merges with Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University–Kingsville) and becomes its Corpus Christi campus. The Islanders compete in the NAIA as a member of the Lone Star Conference. -
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders men’s basketball team wins its first Southland Conference tournament
In 2007: The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders men’s basketball team wins its first Southland Conference tournament and makes its first NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament appearance, losing to Wisconsin 76-63 in the first round. -
Rashawn Thomas – led the team to its second NCAA Tournament
Rashawn Thomas (2013-2017): Thomas was a dominant forward for the Islanders and left a lasting impact on the program. He became the program’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocked shots. Thomas was a three-time All-Southland Conference selection and led the team to its second NCAA Tournament appearance in 2016. -
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders women’s basketball team wins its first Southland Conference tournament
In 2018: The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders women’s basketball team wins its first Southland Conference tournament and makes its first NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament appearance, losing to Baylor 95-38 in the first round.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Islanders
The Texas A&M–Corpus Christi Islanders have a long and storied history in NCAA Division I athletics. The Islanders began their journey as an independent school in 1997, becoming part of the Southland Conference in 2007. Since then, they’ve become one of the most successful programs within the conference, winning four regular season titles and two tournament championships.
The men's basketball team has been imposing during this period, having made seven straight appearances to either the NCAA Tournament or NIT from 2011-2018 under head coach Willis Wilson. During those seven years alone, they won three conference tournaments. They earned six 20-win seasons – including a program record 27 wins in 2015-16 when they advanced to Sweet 16 before falling just short against eventual national champion Villanova University Wildcats.
On top of that, success on the court is also what goes off it - with multiple players earning All-Academic honors each year for maintaining high GPAs while balancing rigorous practice schedules and competition travel requirements throughout their collegiate careers at TAMUCC. This speaks volumes about Coach Wilson’s commitment to excellence and his ability to prepare his student-athletes for life after college by teaching them how important it is to prioritize academics alongside sports endeavors if they want to be successful down the road.
Overall, Texas A&M–Corpus Christi has proven itself as one premier mid-major programs around the country thanks to its sustained excellence across the board - whether we are talking about competitive play, academic performance, or community engagement initiatives. It is clear why so many fans flock to see these talented young men compete every game day!
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