The St. John’s Red Storm are one of college sports’ most historic programs, competing at a high level since their early seasons. Known for strong performances in both St. John’s Red Storm basketball and St. John’s Red Storm football, the team has produced outstanding athletes and memorable moments that continue to shape their proud legacy today.
College Sports Established
1907
Location
New York City, New York
College Name
St. John's University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1979 - Present / Big East Conference
1907 – 1979 / Independent
Nickname
Red Storm - The St. John’s Red Storm is one of the NCAA's most iconic college basketball teams and has been a powerhouse for decades. But what does it mean to be a Red Storm fan? It means being part of an amazing tradition that dates back over 100 years! To understand where this nickname originated, we must look at St. John’s history and connection with New York City sports culture.
St. John’s Red Storm Origin
St. John's University was founded in 1870 by Bishop William McCloskey as an all-male institution in Manhattan's Lower East Side neighborhood known as Little Italy or Mulberry Bend, now called NoLita (North of Little Italy). The school quickly gained popularity among local students who wanted access to higher education but couldn't afford more expensive institutions like Columbia or NYU nearby, mainly attended by wealthy families from uptown neighborhoods like Harlem and Washington Heights at that time. In 1896, Brother Edward “Ned” Dougherty became head coach for the men's basketball team after having previously served as an assistant coach under his predecessor Dr. James Naismith—the inventor of modern-day basketball! He then changed their team name from “Giants" to "Redmen," paying homage to both their Italian heritage (red is associated with Italians) and Native American ancestry due to many members being descendants themselves or simply honoring them through symbolism.
However, when they began competing against other colleges during World War II, they discovered several other schools already used similar nicknames, such as Marist College's "Red Foxes," so Ned decided it was time for something new! With some help from sportswriter Gus Alfieri, who suggested combining two powerful forces: lightning & thunder, he eventually called them “The Red Storm." This represented power and provided reference points within NYC itself since storms can often roll through city streets during summer months while leaving behind beautiful sunsets afterward - making perfect sense given how much pride people here take in representing their hometown wherever they go!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 1
1996
- 1923
- 1986
- 1996
- 1991
- 2011
- 2015
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St. John’s wins its first national championship in basketball
In 1923: St. John’s wins its first national championship in basketball, defeating Yale in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). -
St. John’s baseball team wins its second College World Series title
In 1986: St. John’s baseball team wins its second College World Series title, beating Arkansas in the final. -
First National Title for the Red Storm Soccer 1996
The 1996 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament was the 37th organized men’s college soccer tournament by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, to determine the top college soccer team in the United States. The St. John’s Red Storm won their first national title by defeating the Florida International Panthers in the championship game, 4–1. The final match was played on ... -
St. John’s soccer team wins its first NCAA Division I Soccer Championship
In 1991: St. John’s soccer team wins its first NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship, defeating UCLA in the final. -
NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship Win
In 2011: St. John’s soccer team wins its second NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship, defeating North Carolina in the final. -
St. John’s basketball team reaches the NCAA Tournament for the 29th time
In 2015: St. John’s basketball team reaches the NCAA Tournament for the 29th time, losing to San Diego State 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.
St. John’s Red Storm History
The St. John’s Red Storm have a long and proud history in NCAA sports, especially known for their rivalry with the Providence Friars. Founded in 1907, the program began as the St. John’s College basketball team, competing against New York City schools such as NYU, Columbia, and Fordham. Over the years, the St. John’s Red Storm basketball program has grown into one of the most successful and respected programs in college sports. The team joined the Big East Conference in the 1979-80 season, quickly establishing itself as a powerhouse with multiple Final Four appearances and consistent NCAA tournament runs.
Under legendary head coaches, including Hall of Famer Chris Mullin, the St. John’s Red Storm basketball team has reached the Elite Eight and produced numerous NBA players. The program’s legacy includes not only men’s basketball but also women’s teams, which have consistently performed at a high level within NCAA competitions. St. John’s has maintained a reputation for developing top athletes while competing fiercely in the Big East.
In addition to basketball, the St. John’s Red Storm football program has contributed to the school’s rich athletic history, achieving competitive seasons and producing notable alumni who went on to professional careers. Beyond the gridiron, St. John’s has excelled in soccer, winning two National Championships in 1996 and 2008, and producing professional players such as USMNT goalkeeper Tony Meola and MLS star Jack Harrison.
The athletic program’s success also extends to other sports like track & field, softball, and lacrosse. The women’s softball team reached the NCAA Women’s Softball World Series twice since 2000 and was ranked #1 nationally during the 2005 regular season. These accomplishments highlight the university’s commitment to excellence across all athletic disciplines, both men’s and women’s.
Red Storm Achievements
Today, with new leadership in both basketball under Mike Anderson and soccer under Ian Stone, the St. John’s Red Storm continue to thrive. Their consistent success across multiple sports cements the program’s status as one of the premier athletic programs in the Big East Conference, producing elite athletes while inspiring generations of fans and students.
With decades of tradition, countless championships, and a legacy of developing professional athletes, the St. John’s Red Storm basketball and St. John’s Red Storm football programs remain central to the university’s proud history. Fans can expect continued excellence, exciting seasons, and the ongoing pursuit of national recognition across all sports.
