The Dayton Flyers represent the University of Dayton with a rich tradition of excellence in NCAA athletics. Known for competitive Dayton Flyers basketball and a strong Dayton Flyers football program, the Flyers have built a legacy of success, rivalries, and memorable moments that continue to inspire students, alumni, and fans nationwide.
College Sports Established
1850
Location
Davidson, North Carolina
College Name
University of Dayton
Collegiate History
1995 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1995 - Present / Atlantic 10 Conference
Nickname
Flyers - The Dayton Flyers are one of the most beloved teams in college sports, and their nickname has been around since 1929. But where did it come from?
Dayton Flyers Origin
It all started with a newspaper article published by the Dayton Daily News in February 1929. The paper reported that students at the University of Dayton had voted to name their athletic teams “the Flyers” as a tribute to aviator Orville Wright, who was born and raised just outside town. It was an homage to his pioneering work in aviation—and an acknowledgment that he helped put Dayton on the map as “the birthplace of powered flight”!
Since then, many other universities have adopted similar nicknames (e.g., Air Force Falcons). However, none can claim such strong ties to aviation history as those held by the University of Dayton's "Dayton Flyers." This is why so many fans take great pride when cheering for this team: they know they're rooting for more than just a bunch of athletes; they're also celebrating our city's rich heritage!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1903
- 1951
- 1959
- 1984
- 2015
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The University of Dayton fielded its first football team
The University of Dayton fielded its first football team in 1903. The team played its first game on November 7, 1903, against Otterbein College, winning by a score of 46-0. Football has been a part of the University of Dayton’s athletic program ever since, with the team playing at various levels of competition over the years. The Flyers are currently ... -
Dayton Flyers men’s basketball team wins the National Invitation Tournament (NIT)
In 1951, the Dayton Flyers men’s basketball team won the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). At the time, the NIT was considered to be one of the top postseason tournaments in college basketball, and winning the tournament was a significant achievement for any team. The Flyers defeated several top programs en route to the championship, including Bradley, Seton Hall, and St. ... -
Jim Paxson Sr. – Basketball Legend
Jim Paxson Sr. – Jim Paxson Sr. played for the Dayton Flyers men’s basketball team from 1955-1959, and was a two-time All-American during his college career. He went on to play professionally in the NBA, where he was a two-time All-Star and won a championship with the Boston Celtics. -
Flyers won the Women’s Invitational Basketball Tournament (WIBA)
In 1984, when the Flyers won the Women’s Invitational Basketball Tournament (WIBA), which was the first national postseason tournament for women’s basketball. Dayton defeated Wisconsin-Green Bay in the championship game to claim the title and finished the season with a record of 26-3. -
Andrea Hoover – Atlantic 10 Player of the Year
Andrea Hoover – Andrea Hoover played for the Dayton Flyers women’s basketball team from 2011-2015, and was one of the best players in program history. She was a two-time Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, and led the Flyers to their first-ever appearance in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 2015.
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.
Dayton Flyers History
The Dayton Flyers have built one of the most respected traditions in college athletics, particularly through their rivalry with the Fordham Rams. Founded in 1901, the University of Dayton has produced competitive teams for more than a century. From Dayton Flyers basketball to Dayton Flyers football and baseball, the program’s consistent excellence reflects the university’s commitment to athletic success and community pride.
Dayton Flyers basketball stands as the flagship sport. The team reached the NCAA Championship game in 1967 and has appeared in multiple NCAA Tournaments, including a memorable Elite Eight run in 2014 under coach Archie Miller. Dayton also holds one of the best all-time winning percentages in Division I basketball and has produced standout players such as Don May, Roosevelt Chapman, Obi Toppin, and many more who elevated the Flyers on the national stage.
Dayton Flyers football has an equally rich legacy. Competing at the FCS (formerly Division I-AA) level, the program has claimed multiple Pioneer Football League titles and made numerous playoff appearances. Legendary coach Mike Kelly led the team to national prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, including national championships at the Division III level before moving up to non-scholarship Division I FCS. The program has produced NFL players and countless All-Americans who continue to represent the Flyers’ tradition of toughness and excellence.
Baseball at Dayton has also enjoyed success. The Flyers captured the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament title in 2012, earning an NCAA Regional berth, and have consistently produced competitive squads and MLB draft selections. Other programs, including volleyball, soccer, and track and field, further demonstrate how the Dayton Flyers remain strong across a broad athletic spectrum.
Flyers Achievements
In recent years, Dayton Flyers basketball has maintained national relevance, regularly selling out UD Arena—one of the country’s premier college basketball venues. The team’s 29-2 record in the 2019-20 season under coach Anthony Grant and National Player of the Year Obi Toppin marked one of the program’s greatest modern achievements, cementing Dayton as a perennial contender.
Likewise, Dayton Flyers football continues to excel in the Pioneer Football League, capturing league titles and playoff berths while producing Academic All-Americans who embody the program’s blend of athletic and academic excellence. Together, these accomplishments show that the Dayton Flyers, whether on the basketball court, football field, or baseball diamond, remain a symbol of tradition, achievement, and pride for the University of Dayton and its fans everywhere.
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