The Drexel Dragons represent Drexel University in Philadelphia and compete at the NCAA Division I level. With a strong tradition in both Drexel Dragons basketball and Drexel Dragons soccer, the program has built a reputation for determination and success. Over the decades, the Dragons have achieved recognition for their consistent performances and passionate fan support.
College Sports Established
1891
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
College Name
Drexel University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2001 - Present / Coastal Athletic Association
1973 - 2001 / Independent
Nickname
Dragons - As a die-hard fan of the Drexel Dragons, you may have wondered about the origins of our beloved team's nickname. I wonder no more because this blog post will delve into the fascinating history behind the Drexel Dragons nickname.
Drexel Dragons Origin
The Drexel Dragons' nickname dates back to the early 1920s when the Drexel Institute of Technology (now known as Drexel University) sought to establish a solid athletic program. At the time, the school's teams were known as the "Drexelites" or the "Drexel Engineers." However, in 1925, a student named Walter J. Zeller suggested the name "Dragons" as a nod to the school's founder, Anthony J. Drexel, who had a dragon as his family crest.
The suggestion was well-received, and the Drexel Dragons were officially born. At this time, the team's colors were also chosen, with red and blue representing the school's engineering and business programs, respectively.
But why did Zeller choose a dragon to represent the school? He was said to be inspired by the Chinese dragon, symbolizing strength, power, and good luck. This was fitting for a school striving to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of sports.
The Dragons nickname quickly caught on and became a source of pride for the school. The first official Drexel Dragons logo was created in 1927 and featured a fierce-looking dragon with the word "Drexel" in bold letters underneath.
Over the years, the Drexel Dragons have had their fair share of successes and challenges, but the nickname has remained a constant source of inspiration for the teams and fans alike. In 1978, the men's basketball team made it to the NCAA Division I tournament for the first time, solidifying the Drexel Dragons as a formidable force in college sports.
Today, the Drexel Dragons continue to make their mark in athletics with successful basketball, lacrosse, and soccer teams. The dragon logo has undergone several updates but remains a recognizable symbol of the school's athletic prowess.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1996
- 2013
- 2024
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Dragons Men’s Basketball Success
The Dragons joined Division I in 1973. Drexel has received bids to five Division I NCAA basketball tournaments in 1986, 1994, 1995, 1996, and most recently in 2021. During the 1996 tournament, Malik Rose led the team to their only second round NCAA appearance after an upset of fifth-seeded Memphis. Prior to this, Drexel had appeared in four Division II ... -
Conference’s No. 1 Seed
The Drexel Dragons men’s soccer team is a member of the Coastal Athletic Association of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. In 1955, the team finished with a record of 11-3-1 and won the Middle Atlantic Conferences (MAC) championship for the first time. In 1958 with a 12-0-0 record, the team was awarded the National Championship by the Intercollegiate Soccer Football ... -
Women’s NCAA Glimpses
The Drexel Dragons women’s basketball program currently competes in the Coastal Athletic Association in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The Dragons joined Division I in 1982. In the 1980s, the team nickname changed from the Dragonettes to the Dragons. Drexel has received three bids to the NCAA Women’s Basketball tournament, occurring in 2009, 2021, and 2024. Drexel’s ...
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Drexel Dragons History
The Drexel Dragons have built a proud tradition in NCAA athletics, representing Drexel University in Philadelphia. Established in 1891, the university began competing in intercollegiate sports during the early 20th century, steadily growing into a respected Division I program. Over the years, the Drexel Dragons developed rivalries with teams across the Colonial Athletic Association while becoming a recognizable name in both men’s and women’s athletics.
One of the program’s strongest traditions is Drexel Dragons basketball. The men’s team earned its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1986 and later made headlines with an upset victory over Memphis in the 1996 NCAA Tournament. The women’s Drexel Dragons basketball team has also achieved consistent success, including a Colonial Athletic Association Tournament Championship in 2009 and an appearance in the NCAA Women’s Tournament. These accomplishments cemented Drexel’s reputation as a competitive basketball program.
Alongside basketball, Drexel Dragons soccer has played an important role in the school’s athletic identity. The men’s team captured the NCAA Championship in 1958, marking one of the greatest achievements in program history. More recently, Drexel Dragons soccer has continued to thrive in the Colonial Athletic Association, with multiple appearances in the NCAA Tournament, while producing standout players who went on to professional careers.
Beyond these sports, the Dragons have made an impact across wrestling, crew, field hockey, and lacrosse, consistently competing at a high level. The athletic department also emphasizes academic success, with student-athletes regularly earning conference and national academic honors. This balance of excellence in both academics and athletics reflects the university’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals.
Dragons Achievements
In recent years, the Drexel Dragons basketball program has returned to national attention. In 2021, the men’s team won the CAA Tournament, securing its first NCAA Tournament berth in 25 years. That milestone showed the resilience of the program and reignited fan enthusiasm across Philadelphia.
The legacy of Drexel Dragons soccer also remains strong, with the men’s and women’s teams continuing to compete at a high level. Drexel has expanded its athletic facilities, including the Daskalakis Athletic Center, ensuring athletes have the tools to succeed. With historic championships, strong rivalries, and a commitment to growth, the Dragons remain a symbol of pride for the university community.
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