College Sports Established
1889
Location
Elon, North Carolina
College Name
Elon University
Collegiate History
1999 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2014 - Present / Coastal Athletic Association
2003 - 2014 / Southern Conference
1999 - 2003 / Big South Conference
Nickname
Phoenix - When it comes to college sports, team nicknames are an integral part of the culture. They not only represent the school and its students, but also hold a significant meaning behind them. One such nickname that has gained popularity in recent years is the Elon Phoenix. This nickname has become synonymous with the Elon University sports teams, and its origin is rooted in the university's rich history and values.
Elon University, located in Elon, North Carolina, was founded in 1889 by the Christian Church, and it was originally known as the Elon College. The university has a strong affiliation with the Christian faith, and its motto, "Numen Lumen," which translates to "God is light," reflects this. The early years of the university were marked by its commitment to providing education that was grounded in the principles of morality and religion.
In the early 1920s, the university's sports teams were known as the "Christians," a name that was fitting with the university's religious roots. However, as the university grew and evolved, the need for a new nickname arose. In 2000, the university's athletic department decided to rebrand its sports teams with a new nickname, and thus, the "Phoenix" was born.
The name Phoenix has its roots in Greek mythology, and it is a legendary bird that is said to rise from its ashes after being consumed by fire. This symbolism resonated with the university's values of resilience, determination, and rebirth. The university had faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including a devastating fire that destroyed its main building in 1923. Despite these setbacks, the university rose from the ashes and continued to thrive, just like the mythical bird.
The Phoenix nickname also holds a special meaning for the university's sports teams. It represents the spirit of never giving up, always rising from defeat, and continuously striving for excellence. This is evident in the university's sports teams, who have consistently performed well in their respective conferences and have won numerous championships over the years. The Phoenix nickname has become a source of pride for the university's athletes, coaches, and fans, and it has helped to build a strong sense of community and camaraderie among them.
In addition to its symbolic meaning, the Phoenix nickname also has a practical aspect. The name is gender-neutral, which was a conscious decision by the university's athletic department to promote gender equality and inclusivity in sports.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1980
- 1997
- 2017
-
National Championship Titles
The Elon Phoenix football program first fielded a football team in 1909 and currently competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). After 11 seasons in the Southern Conference, Elon joined the Coastal Athletic Association for all sports, including football, in 2014. The Phoenix has appeared in the FCS Playoffs four times in 2009, 2017, 2018 and 2022. ... -
Men’s basketball Journey
The Elon Phoenix men’s basketball team completed an 11-season tenure in the Southern Conference in 2013–14; it moved to the Colonial Athletic Association on July 1, 2014. They have appeared in the NCAA Division II tournament one time in 1997 succeeding in Regional Quarterfinals. Their record is 0–1. They also have appeared in one CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT) in 2013. ... -
Women’s NCAA Participations
Women’s sports became a part of the Elon athletic department in the early 1970s, as legendary coach Kay Yow began her college coaching career by guiding the first-ever women’s basketball teams at Elon. They became part of the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) on July 1, 2014. They have appeared in the NCAA tournament in 2017 and 2018 seeding no 11th ...
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History of the Phoenix
The Beginning
The Elon Phoenix sports team was founded in 1889 as a football team, making it one of the oldest collegiate athletic programs in the state of North Carolina. The team was originally known as the Elon College Fighting Christians and played their first game against Wake Forest University in 1891. The team quickly gained a reputation for their competitive spirit and strong work ethic, which would become the foundation for their success in the years to come.
The Early Years
In the early 20th century, the Elon Phoenix sports team expanded to include basketball and baseball teams. The basketball team quickly gained recognition as one of the top teams in the state, winning numerous conference championships and making several appearances in the NCAA tournament. The baseball team also had its fair share of success, with multiple conference championships and a trip to the College World Series in 1974.
The Move to Division I
In 1999, the Elon Phoenix made the move to Division I athletics, joining the Big South Conference. This move brought about a new level of competition for the team, but they were up for the challenge. In their first year in Division I, the men's basketball team won the Big South Conference Championship and made an appearance in the NCAA tournament. This was just the beginning of the team's success at the Division I level.
Recent Success
In 2014, the Elon Phoenix made another move, this time to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). This move proved to be a turning point for the program, as they quickly established themselves as a powerhouse in the conference. The men's basketball team won the CAA championship in 2018, earning a spot in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1999. The women's basketball team also had a historic season in 2017-2018, winning the CAA championship and making their first appearance in the NCAA tournament.
The Future
The Elon Phoenix sports team continues to make strides and gain recognition on a national level. In 2019, the football team won the CAA championship and made their first appearance in the NCAA playoffs.
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