College Sports Established
1935
Location
Hempstead, New York
College Name
Hofstra University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1965 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2001 - Present / Coastal Athletic Association
1994 - 2001 / America East Conference
1965 - 1994 / East Coast Conference
Nickname
Pride - You may have heard of the Hofstra Pride, the athletic team representing Hofstra University in New York. But have you ever wondered where the nickname "Pride" came from? In this blog post, we'll deeply dive into the origins of the Hofstra Pride nickname and how it has evolved.
Hofstra University was founded in 1935 as a private university in Hempstead, New York. The university's athletic teams were initially known as the "Flying Dutchmen," a nod to the area's Dutch heritage. However, in the 1980s, the university changed its nickname to something more modern and inclusive.
The search for a new nickname began in 1989 when the university's athletic director, Jim Garvey, formed a committee to develop a new nickname and mascot. The committee comprised students, alumni, and faculty members who wanted to find a name representing the university's spirit and values.
After months of brainstorming and research, the committee settled on "Pride." The name was chosen for its solid and positive connotations, representing the university's pride in its academic and athletic achievements. It also reflected the university's diverse and inclusive community, where students and faculty from different backgrounds come together to achieve their goals.
But the Hofstra Pride nickname didn't just come out of thin air. It has a deeper meaning and connection to the university's history. The university's motto, "Je Maintiendrai," which means "I will maintain," is also the motto of the House of Orange-Nassau, the Dutch royal family. This connection to the area's Dutch heritage was a subtle nod to the university's roots while also representing strength and determination.
The university's mascot, Dutch the Lion, also connects to the nickname. The lion symbolizes courage, strength, and pride, perfectly representing the Hofstra Pride. Dutch is often seen at athletic events, cheering on the teams and rallying the crowd with his energetic and enthusiastic spirit.
Over the years, the Hofstra Pride nickname has become synonymous with the university's athletic success. The Pride has a rich history of winning championships and producing successful athletes, including NBA players Speedy Claxton and Charles Jenkins. The university's athletic teams compete in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and have won numerous conference championships in various sports.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 2001
- 2016
- 2022
-
Basketball: Back-to-back Titles
The Pride has appeared in the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament four times. The Pride have appeared in the NCAA Division II men’s basketball tournament four times and brought the best result of “NCAA tournament Elite Eight” in 1964. They also appeared in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) seven times and the recent was in 2023. The Pride has ... -
Two Times WNIT Quarterfinalist
The Hofstra Pride women’s basketball team is the basketball team that represents Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, United States. The school’s team currently competes in the Coastal Athletic Association. The Pride has made eight appearances in postseason play, two being in the AIAW Division II National Tournament (1980, 1982) and four being in the WNIT (2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, ... -
Baseball Champions
The Hofstra Pride baseball team represents Hofstra University in NCAA Division I college baseball. The team plays its home games at University Field in Hempstead, New York. The Pride qualified for its first NCAA Division I baseball tournament in 2022 by winning the CAA baseball tournament. They won Conference tournament champions in 2022. The team’s head coach is former MLB ...
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.
History of the Pride
As sports fans, we always find it exciting to learn about the history of our favorite teams. Today, we’ll explore the rich history of the Hofstra Pride sports teams.
Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, has a long and storied athletics history. The university’s sports teams, the Hofstra Pride, have a strong tradition of success and have produced numerous talented athletes.
The Hofstra Pride’s roots can be traced back to the early 1930s when the university was known as Hofstra College. At the time, the school only offered a few sports, including basketball, baseball, and tennis. However, in 1940, Hofstra College became a member of the Metropolitan Collegiate Athletic Conference (MCAC) and began to expand its athletic programs.
One of the most significant moments in Hofstra Pride sports history came in 1948 when the school hired its first full-time athletic director, Howard G. “Dutch” Schroeder. Under Schroeder’s leadership, the Hofstra Pride experienced growth and success. In 1950, the school joined the NCAA and competed in Division II athletics.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Hofstra Pride excelled in various sports, including basketball, baseball, and football. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the Hofstra Pride made a name for themselves on the national stage.
In 1976, the Hofstra Pride football team, led by head coach Joe Gardi, won the Lambert Cup, awarded to the best Division II football team in the East. This was a significant achievement for the university, and it helped put Hofstra Pride on the map.
The 1980s saw the Hofstra Pride continue to dominate in football, winning multiple conference championships and producing several NFL players. However, it was in the 1990s that the Hofstra Pride truly solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in college athletics.
In 1994, the Hofstra Pride joined the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), a Division I conference. This move marked a significant turning point for the university’s sports programs, as they began competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics.
Sports Fan Products
