College Sports Established
1931
Location
Tempe, Arizona
College Name
Arizona State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1931 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2024 - Present / Big 12 Conference
2010 – 2024 / PAC -12 Conference
1978 – 2010 / Pacific 10
1962 – 1978 / Western Athletic Conference
1931 – 1962 / Border Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Nickname
Sun Devils - The Arizona State Sun Devils have been a powerhouse in the NCAA for many years. But where did their nickname come from? It turns out that the origins of this name date back to 1946 when ASU was still known as Arizona State College.
At that time, a student-run newspaper called The Statesman ran an article about how the school needed a mascot and suggested "Sun Devils." This suggestion resonated with students and faculty alike and soon became popular enough to become officially adopted by ASU in 1951.
It's believed that the sun devil is derived from another term: the maroon devil. Maroon devils were mythical creatures described as having fiery red eyes, horns on their heads, and wings like bats’ ears pointed backward at all times - they were said to bring good luck if seen during sunset or sunrise! So it makes sense why this creature would be associated with ASU; since its location is right near the desert southwest region of America where these myths originated from!
Moreover, it also ties into one of ASU's core values: innovation & creativity – which has been part of its culture since its founding in 1885. With such an iconic nickname representing them now, too - you can bet your bottom dollar that no matter what happens on game day - Go Sun Devils!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 5
1981, 1977, 1969, 1967, 1965
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1954
- 1969
- 1981
- 1987
- 2002
- 2010
-
Arizona State Sun Devils football team wins their first Border Conference championship
In 1954: The Arizona State Sun Devils football team, led by head coach Dan Devine, wins their first Border Conference championship. -
Sun Devils Baseball College World Series 1969
The 1969 NCAA University Division Baseball Tournament was played at the end of the 1969 NCAA University Division baseball season to determine the national champion of college baseball. The tournament concluded with eight teams competing in the College World Series, a double-elimination tournament in its twenty-third year. Eight regional districts sent representatives to the College World Series with preliminary rounds ... -
1981 Sun Devils Baseball Champs
The 1981 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament was played at the end of the 1981 NCAA Division I baseball season to determine the national champion of college baseball. The tournament concluded with eight teams competing in the College World Series, a double-elimination tournament in its thirty-fifth year. Eight regional competitions were held to determine the participants in the final event. ... -
Sun Devils football team wins their first Rose Bowl game
In 1987: The Sun Devils football team, led by quarterback Jeff Van Raaphorst and head coach John Cooper, wins their first Rose Bowl game. They defeat the Michigan Wolverines 22-15, securing their first Rose Bowl victory in program history. -
The Arizona State women’s basketball team reaches the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament
In 2002: The Arizona State women’s basketball team, led by head coach Charli Turner Thorne, reaches the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. -
Sun Devils baseball team wins their fifth College World Series title
In 2010: The Sun Devils baseball team, coached by Tim Esmay, wins their fifth College World Series title. They defeat the University of Texas in the championship series, securing another national championship for the program.
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 Sun Devils
Arizona Wildcats
ASU has had plenty of success in basketball, reaching 14 consecutive post-season tournaments from 1980 to 1993, including two Final Four appearances led by stars like Byron Scott & Fat Lever. They've also managed 3 Elite Eight finishes more recently under head coach Herb Sendek who was at the helm from 2006 until 2015 when Bobby Hurley took charge leading them back into prominence again after missing out on tournament action for four years straight before his arrival.
Baseball is another sport where ASU excels, having reached the College World Series 7 times since 1965 while claiming 5 National Championships between 1965–1981, making them second only behind USC Trojans on a total number of CWS appearances & titles among Pac 12 schools. Some notable alumni include Barry Bonds, Reggie Jackson, Mike Leake, etc.
Overall, Arizona State University can be proud of its rich athletic tradition, having produced countless All-Americans across multiple sports ranging from Footballers like Jake Plummer or Basketballers like James Harden, thus establishing itself among top-tier universities regarding sporting excellence!
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