College Sports Established
1770
Location
Charleston, South Carolina
College Name
College of Charleston
Collegiate History
1991 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2013 - Present / Coastal Athletic Association
1998 - 2013 / Southern Conference
1991 - 1998 / Atlantic Sun Conference
Nickname
Cougars—The nickname "Cougars" has been associated with the College of Charleston's athletic teams since the early 1970s. The origins of this nickname can be traced back to the school's mascot, the cougar, which was chosen in 1972. The cougar, also known as the mountain lion, is a fierce and powerful animal native to the mountains of North and South America. This choice of mascot reflects the school's spirit and determination to excel in sports.
The College of Charleston's athletic teams have embodied the spirit of the Cougar since the nickname was first adopted. The teams have consistently displayed a fierce and competitive nature, just like the animal they are named after. This nickname has become synonymous with the school's athletic program and has been a source of pride for students, alumni, and fans. The teams' success and determination have solidified the nickname "Cougars" as a symbol of strength and resilience.
In conclusion, the origins of the nickname "Cougars" for the College of Charleston's athletic teams can be traced back to the school's mascot, the cougar. The choice of this fierce and powerful animal as the mascot reflects the school's determination to excel in sports. The teams' success and competitive spirit have solidified the nickname as a symbol of strength and resilience, making it a source of pride for the entire college community. The Cougars will continue to roar on the courts and fields, representing the College of Charleston with pride and determination.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Hockey 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1982
- 1991
- 2004
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Three Times AIAW Runner-Up
The women’s team began play in 1974. They have made the Women’s Basketball Invitational in 2010, 2013, and 2014. The Cougars made three appearances in the AIAW National Division II Basketball Tournament in 1980, 1981 & 1982, with a combined record of 9–3. They joined the Trans America Athletic Conference (now known as the ASUN Conference) in 1991. Also joined ... -
NCAA Division I Transition
The College of Charleston has sponsored a men’s basketball team since 1898. They have been NCAA Division I since 1991. The Cougars have appeared in the NCAA tournament seven times. The team made four trips to the NCAA Tournament (1994, 1997, 1998 and 1999) under the leadership of former head coach John Kresse. The Cougars returned to the NCAA Tournament ... -
Seven Times NCAA Appearances
The College of Charleston baseball team has been a member of NCAA Division I since 1991. The Cougars have won six regular season conference titles and two conference tournament championships, one in the Southern Conference (2006) and one in the Colonial Athletic Association (2014). The Cougars have appeared in the NCAA Division I baseball tournament seven times, most recently in ...
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History of the Cougars
The Charleston Cougars sports team has a rich and storied history that dates back to 1897, when the team was first established as the College of Charleston's basketball team. Over the years, the Cougars have become a powerhouse in the Southern Conference and have made numerous appearances in the NCAA Division I Tournament. The team has also produced several notable players, including NBA Hall of Famer Alex English and NBA All-Star Anthony Johnson.
One of the most memorable moments in Charleston Cougars' history came in 1997 when the team first appeared in the NCAA Division I Tournament. Led by head coach John Kresse, the Cougars made a Cinderella run to the second round, defeating the top-seeded Maryland Terrapins in a thrilling upset. This victory not only put the Cougars on the national map but also solidified their place as a top contender in the Southern Conference.
In recent years, the Charleston Cougars have continued to build on their legacy of success. In 2018, the men's basketball team won the Colonial Athletic Association championship and first appeared in the NCAA Tournament since 1999. The women's basketball team has also had its fair share of success, winning the Southern Conference championship in 2010 and 2012. Overall, the Charleston Cougars sports teams have a long history of excellence and continue inspiring and entertaining fans with their impressive performances on the court.
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