College Sports Established
1947
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
College Name
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Collegiate History
1984 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1984 - Present / Coastal Athletic Association
Nickname
Seahawks - Welcome, Seahawks sports fans! Are you curious about the origins of our beloved team's nickname? Well, you've come to the right place. Today, we'll explore the history of the UNC Wilmington Seahawks and how they got their unique moniker.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) first adopted the Seahawks as its official mascot in 1972. However, the nickname's origins can be traced back to the early 1960s, when the school was known as Wilmington College. At that time, the school's athletic teams were known as the Wilmington Seahawks, and the name stuck even after the school's name change in 1969.
But why the Seahawks, you may ask? The answer lies in the school's coastal location. UNCW is situated on the beautiful shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and the area is known for its thriving seafaring and fishing communities. The maritime lifestyle is deeply ingrained in the culture of Wilmington, making the Seahawks an apt representation of the school and its surrounding community.
The university's first official logo featured a seagull, later replaced by a more fierce-looking seahawk in the 1990s. The new logo, designed by a local artist, featured a bold blue and gold design, reflecting the school's colors. The seahawk was depicted with a determined look, ready to take on any opponent, representing the spirit and determination of the UNCW athletes.
In addition to the coastal connection, the seahawk also has a deeper meaning for the UNCW community. The bird is known for its intelligence, agility, and adaptability, all qualities the university strives to instill in its students and athletes. The seahawk's ability to soar high in the sky symbolizes the university's commitment to academic excellence and success.
Over the years, the Seahawks' nickname has become synonymous with UNCW and embraced by students, alumni, and fans. The name has also inspired a sense of pride and unity within the university community, with students and athletes proudly sporting the Seahawk logo on their t-shirts, hats, and other merchandise.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1963
- 1973
- 2002
- 2018
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UNC Heritage & Records
UNC Wilmington won the Colonial Athletic Association’s automatic bid to play in the NCAA regional playoffs in 2004, 2006, 2012, 2015, 2023 and 2024. In addition, the program received at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament in 2003, 2008 and 2016. UNCW set a Colonial Athletic Association record with four consecutive 40-win seasons from 2003–06 and set a school record with ... -
Women’s Basketball Commencement
The UNC Wilmington women’s basketball program completed its 37th season of competition in 2010-11, including the last 25 as a member of the NCAA Division I ranks. The Seahawks began as a member of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women in 1973-74 and spent 10 years as a member until the association’s disbandment following the 1982-83 season. The Seahawks ... -
UNC Basketball Through back
The UNC Wilmington basketball program moved to Division I in 1976-77. In 1984, the Seahawks joined the ECAC-South Conference (also known as the Colonial Athletic Association). In their first conference home game at Trask Coliseum the Seahawks defeated George Mason. The first appearance in a Colonial Athletic Association championship game came in 1987, just their third season of league play ... -
Men’s soccer NCAA appearances
The UNCW Seahawks men’s soccer team is a member of the Colonial Athletic Association, which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division I. UNCW’s first men’s soccer team was fielded in 1966. UNCW has appeared in four NCAA Tournaments. Its first appearance came in 2009. Their most recent came in 2018.
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History of the Seahawks
In addition to their success in basketball, the Seahawks have also had notable achievements in other sports. The men's soccer team has won four CAA championships and made it to the NCAA tournament six times. The women's soccer team has also succeeded, winning three CAA championships and making it to the NCAA tournament five times.
The Seahawks' baseball team has also had a strong presence in the CAA, winning six conference championships and making it to the NCAA tournament five times. In 2016, the team had a historic season, winning 41 games and making it to the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time in program history.
The UNC Wilmington Seahawks also have a strong women's basketball program, with six CAA championships and six NCAA tournament appearances. The women's volleyball team has also succeeded, winning six CAA championships and making it to the NCAA tournament five times.
Aside from their achievements on the field, the Seahawks also have a strong commitment to academic excellence. 2018, the NCAA recognized the UNC Wilmington athletic program with the prestigious President's Award for Academic Excellence. This award is given to Division I schools with an Academic Progress Rate (APR) in the top 10% of all athletic programs.
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