College Sports Established
1915
Location
Berkeley, California
College Name
University of California, Berkeley
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1915 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2024 - Present / ACC Conference
2010 - 2024 / Big 12 Conference
1978 – 2010 / Pacific 10
1964 – 1978 / Pacific 8
1959 – 1964 / Athletic Association of Western Universities
1915 – 1959 / Pacific Coast Conference
Nickname
Golden Bears - For sports fans, the California Golden Bears are an iconic team with a storied history. But many don’t know that their nickname has a fascinating origin story.
The California Golden Bears have been around since 1886 and were initially known as the “California Football Team” or just “Cal” for short. However, in 1915 they changed their name to The University of California at Berkeley Athletic Association (UCBAA). It was not until 1920 that they officially became known as the “Golden Bears." This new name was inspired by then-Chancellor Benjamin Ide Wheeler, who had recently returned from a trip to Alaska where he encountered giant grizzly bears while on his journey - thus inspiring him to use this animal symbol for Cal's athletic teams!
Since then, these majestic animals have become synonymous with Cal athletics and are used today in branding and game mascot appearances. Not only do they represent strength and ferocity, but they also honor Chancellor Wheeler's adventurous spirit, which continues live on through each game day experience of every fan cheering them on! So next time you're watching your favorite sport take some time out of your day to appreciate one of college sports' most unique nicknames: The California Golden Bears!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 2
1957, 1947
Men's Basketball 1
1959
Women's Basketball 0
Football 5
1937, 1923, 1922, 1921, 1920
Soccer 0
- 1882
- 1920
- 1937
- 1959
- 2004
- 2018
-
California football team plays its first recorded game
In 1882: The California football team plays its first recorded game against the University of Nevada, resulting in a 8-0 victory for the Golden Bears. -
The California football “Wonder Team.”
In 1920: The California football team, led by head coach Andy Smith, achieves an undefeated season, known as the “Wonder Team.” They defeated Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, securing their first national championship in football. -
The California men’s basketball team wins their first Pacific Coast Conference (PCC) championship
In 1937: The California men’s basketball team, under head coach Nibs Price, wins their first Pacific Coast Conference (PCC) championship. -
1959 Golden Bears NCAA Basketball Champions
The 1959 NCAA University Division Basketball Tournament involved 23 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men’s NCAA Division I college basketball in the United States. It began on March 7, 1959, and ended with the championship game on March 21 in Louisville, Kentucky. A total of 27 games were played, including a third-place game in ... -
Cal Golden Bears – Aaron Rodgers
As a junior, Rodgers led Cal to a 10–1 record and top-five ranking at the end of the regular season, with their only loss a 23–17 loss at No. 1 USC. In that game, Rodgers set a school record for consecutive completed passes with 26 and tied an NCAA record with 23 consecutive passes completed in one game. He set ... -
California women’s basketball team makes their first Final Four appearance in program history
In 2018: The California women’s basketball team, coached by Lindsay Gottlieb, makes their first Final Four appearance in program history, further establishing their national prominence.
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 Golden Bears
The California Golden Bears have a long and storied history in the NCAA. For over 100 years, they have been one of the most successful teams in college sports. From their first season as members of the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC) to their current status as Pac-12 powerhouse, Cal has consistently been a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court or field.
Cal's basketball program is no exception regarding success stories; since joining PCC play in 1915–16, they've won nine conference titles and made 19 NCAA Tournament appearances—including two Final Four trips—and counting! Meanwhile, their football team has also enjoyed plenty of glory days over its more than century-long run: winning 15 conference championships (plus another shared title), appearing in 20 bowl games (including five Rose Bowls), and even claiming one national championship back during World War II!
No matter your sport or level you're playing at, if you're a fan, chances are good that following along with any given game featuring The California Golden Bears will make sure it's never dull either way - Go Bears!!
Sports Fan Products
