The Georgetown Hoyas are one of the most iconic names in collegiate sports. Known for their dominance in Georgetown Hoyas basketball and the proud tradition of Georgetown Hoyas football, the program has built a legacy of excellence. With decades of championships, star athletes, and unforgettable moments, the Hoyas continue to shape college athletics history.
College Sports Established
1874
Location
Washington, D.C.
College Name
Georgetown University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1979 - Present / Big East Conference
1887 - 1979 / Independent
Nickname
Hoyas - The Georgetown Hoyas are one of the most successful NCAA programs in history. With a rich tradition and an impressive alumni list, it's no wonder that so many fans proudly wear their colors and cheer on the team. But have you ever wondered where the name “Hoyas” came from?
Georgetown Hoyas Origin
It turns out that there is quite a bit of mystery surrounding this nickname. Some historians have suggested that it was derived from either "hoi polloi," which is Greek for “the many,” or "Hoya Saxa," which translates to “what rocks!” However, neither explanation has been confirmed as fact.
In addition to these theories, the name has other possible origins. Some say it comes from an old-school fight song called "What Rocks!" while others believe its roots can be traced back to Native American tribes who used similar terms when referring to themselves or their territory (such as Hoya Saxa). Whatever its origin, though, one thing remains certain: The Georgetown Hoyas have become synonymous with excellence in college sports over time!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 1
1984
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 1
2019
- 1972
- 1984
- 1997
- 2012
- 2019
-
men’s basketball team joins the ECAC Metro Conference
In 1972: The men’s basketball team joins the ECAC Metro Conference and wins its first conference tournament title in 1975. -
Hoyas NCAA Basketball Champions 1984
In the first national semifinal, Houston, playing in its third consecutive Final Four, edged Virginia, which reached the Final Four as a No. 7 seed in the East region, 49–47. The Cavaliers reached the national semifinals despite the graduation of four-time All-American Ralph Sampson the previous season. Coincidentally, Houston’s All-America center, Akeem Olajuwon, would soon become Sampson’s teammate with the ... -
Football team wins Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) title
In 1993: The football team joins the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and wins its first conference title in 1997. -
The men’s soccer team reaches the College Cup (Final Four) of the NCAA Tournament
The men’s soccer team made its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament’s College Cup (Final Four) in 2012, where they lost to Indiana in the national final after a penalty shootout. -
NCAA Soccer Champs 2019
The 2019 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship Game (also known as the 2019 NCAA Division I Men’s College Cup) was played on December 15, 2019, at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, and determined the winner of the 2019 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament, the national collegiate soccer championship in the United States. This was the 61st ...
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* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Georgetown Hoyas History
The Georgetown Hoyas have a proud and storied tradition in NCAA athletics, especially in their rivalry with Seton Hall. Established in 1870, the university quickly developed competitive programs across multiple sports. Over the decades, the Georgetown Hoyas basketball program and the Georgetown Hoyas football program have become pillars of the school’s athletic identity.
In Georgetown Hoyas basketball, the team has claimed seven Big East regular-season titles and four Big East Tournament championships since entering the conference in 1979–80. The Hoyas reached five Final Fours (1982, 1984, 1985, 1987, and 2007) and famously won the 1984 National Championship under legendary coach John Thompson Jr., a Hall of Fame leader widely regarded as one of the greatest college coaches. His impact on the Georgetown Hoyas basketball program defined an era of dominance.
The Georgetown Hoyas football tradition dates back to 1874. Competing against regional schools like George Washington University and Catholic University, the program became a foundational part of collegiate athletics in Washington, D.C. While football at Georgetown transitioned over the years from major bowl aspirations to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), it still produced celebrated athletes, including College Football Hall of Fame inductee Bill Carpenter, who set multiple records between 1965 and 1968.
Lacrosse at Georgetown also boasts a legacy of excellence. Beginning in the early 1970s, the Hoyas grew into a consistent national contender, producing numerous All-Americans and advancing deep into NCAA tournaments. Their success further elevated the school’s reputation beyond Georgetown Hoyas basketball and Georgetown Hoyas football.
Hoyas Achievements
Recent seasons have seen the Georgetown Hoyas basketball team return to prominence with Big East Tournament titles and NCAA Tournament appearances, while the Georgetown Hoyas football squad continues to compete in the Patriot League, emphasizing strong academics and athletic development. Together these programs maintain a tradition of hard work and sportsmanship.
With multiple conference titles, Final Four appearances, Hall of Fame coaches, and nationally recognized athletes, the Georgetown Hoyas remain one of the most respected names in college sports. Whether on the hardwood, gridiron, or lacrosse field, the Hoyas’ blend of history and achievement ensures their place among the nation’s elite programs.
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