The LIU Sharks represent Long Island University in NCAA Division I athletics, showcasing excellence in both LIU Sharks football and LIU Sharks basketball. Competing in the Northeast Conference, the Sharks are known for their competitive spirit, commitment to academics, and deep athletic tradition that continues to inspire pride among students and alumni.
College Sports Established
1926
Location
Brooklyn and Brookville, New York
College Name
Long Island University
Collegiate History
1982 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1982 - Present / Northeast Conference
Nickname
Sharks - For sports fans, the origin of team nicknames can be an exciting topic. Take, for example, the LIU Sharks, a nickname Long Island University has used since 1926.
LIU Sharks Origin
The story behind this unique moniker begins with Dr. Raymond Fosberg, who was appointed LIU’s first director of athletics in 1925 and served until his retirement in 1957. During his time at the helm, he proposed changing their name from “the Blackbirds” to something more appropriate for a college athletic program—something fierce and intimidating like a shark!
Fosberg felt strongly about giving all teams under his watch strong names that could inspire fear among opponents while also creating pride within its ranks–and so it became official: The LIU Sharks were born!
As time passed, Fosberg's vision proved successful as athletes proudly donned their new uniforms featuring bold blue-and-gold colors along with an iconic shark logo displayed prominently across them; they quickly gained recognition throughout collegiate athletics circles both locally and nationally. Although there have been some minor tweaks to logos over the years (most recently in 2019), one thing remains true: The ferocity of Dr. Fosberg’s original vision still lives on today through every iteration of “LIU Shark Pride."
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
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LIU Sharks History
The LIU Sharks have a proud and storied legacy in NCAA athletics, tracing their roots back to 1926. Known for their competitive spirit and deep rivalry with the Le Moyne Dolphins, the LIU Sharks have become a symbol of resilience and achievement in college sports. Over the decades, the university has produced memorable moments, particularly in LIU Sharks basketball and LIU Sharks football, earning respect across the collegiate landscape.
The early years of the LIU Sharks basketball program were marked by rapid success. Under the guidance of the legendary coach Clair Bee, LIU won its first NCAA tournament game against Temple University during the 1952–53 season. This victory placed the LIU Sharks among the nation’s top basketball programs and led to five straight postseason appearances from 1953 to 1957 — a rare accomplishment shared by only a few elite schools, including Kentucky and North Carolina.
Through the decades, the LIU Sharks basketball program continued to thrive, producing some of the most talented athletes in the sport. Notable alumni include NBA Hall of Famer Chris Mullin (1981–1985), who became one of the game’s greatest shooters, and standout players like Jamaal Tinsley, Charles Jenkins, and Jamal Olasewere, each leaving a lasting mark in both college and professional basketball. These stars helped elevate LIU’s national reputation and strengthened its tradition of excellence.
Sharks Achievements
The LIU Sharks football program also has a long-standing tradition of success and community pride. Competing at the Division I level, the team has developed a reputation for discipline and determination, producing NFL-caliber talent and earning multiple conference honors. Their move to the Northeast Conference has brought renewed energy and exposure, as they continue to build a competitive legacy on the field.
Beyond athletics, the LIU Sharks have consistently excelled academically. The program has maintained one of the highest graduation rates in the New York City area and received national recognition for student-athlete community service. In 2020, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics honored LIU for its dedication to outreach and education, underscoring its balance between sports and academics.
Today, the LIU Sharks remain a cornerstone of collegiate sports excellence. From legendary basketball triumphs to the growing strength of LIU Sharks football, the university’s athletic achievements continue to inspire pride among students, alumni, and fans. With a future as bright as its past, the Sharks carry forward a legacy built on hard work, unity, and unwavering commitment to success.
