History of the Pioneers
The Denver Pioneers are a proud institution with a long and storied history. Founded in 1864, the school has been home to some of the greatest athletes in sports history, including John Elway and Chauncey Billups. From its inception as an all-male college preparatory academy to its current status as one of the top universities in Colorado, the University of Denver has always sought excellence on and off the field.
For many sports fans across America, it’s impossible not to think about DU when discussing college athletics—and for good reason! The university boasts numerous national championships throughout several athletic programs, most notably men's ice hockey (8 NCAA titles) and women's gymnastics (6 NCAA titles). Moreover, their football team was recently crowned champions after winning their first bowl game since 1961—a testament to both coaching staffs' hard work over recent years!
In addition to these successes, on-field accomplishments are matched by those made off it: The University is known for producing some incredible alumni who have gone on to do great things outside sport, such as astronaut Scott Carpenter or Nobel Peace Prize winner Jody Williams - proving that success isn't limited solely within athletics at DU but can be achieved through any number of paths taken from this remarkable school!
For those looking for an academic experience coupled with competitive collegiate sport, look no further than Denver Pioneers – they offer something truly special that cannot be found anywhere else in America today, so why not take advantage? With plenty more exciting times ahead, we expect nothing less than continued excellence from this iconic institution well into future generations - Go Pios!
Pioneers Products
College Sports Established
1864
Location
Denver, Colorado
College Name
University of Denver
Collegiate History
1998 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2013 - Present / Summit League
2012 - 2013 / Western Athletic Conference
1998 - 2012 / Sun Belt Conference
Nickname
Pioneers - The Denver Pioneers are one of the country's most iconic college sports teams, and their nickname has an interesting origin story. The team got its name from a group of gold miners who settled in Colorado during the late 1800s. These brave men were known as “pioneers” because they helped to establish new settlements across this rugged land.
In addition to settling new towns, these pioneers established many local businesses and industries that would help shape Colorado into what it is today. For example, some founded banks and transportation companies that allowed more people to migrate westward toward Denver. In honor of their hard work and dedication, University officials decided to use "Pioneers" as the official nickname for all athletic teams at what was then called Regis College (now University).
This same spirit lives on today with each Pioneer athlete striving for greatness both the field/court/etc.. So next time you cheer your favorite Pioneer athletes or pick up a piece of merchandise sporting our beloved mascot, Ruckus – remember where we come from! Go Pioneers!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Hockey 9
2022, 2017, 2005, 2004, 1969, 1968, 1961, 1960, 1958
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
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 the player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
