The Kennesaw State Owls represent Kennesaw State University with a proud tradition in NCAA athletics. From thrilling seasons in Kennesaw State Owls football to competitive runs in Kennesaw State Owls basketball, the Owls continue to grow as a respected program. Their dedication to success both on and off the field has earned loyal support from fans.
College Sports Established
1983
Location
Kennesaw, Georgia
College Name
Kennesaw State University
Collegiate History
2005 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2024 - Present / C-USA Conference
2005 - 2024 / ASUN Conference
Nickname
Owls - The Kennesaw State Owls have a long and proud history of excellence on the field, but many people don’t know where their nickname comes from. The origin of the name can be traced back to an old Native American legend that tells the story of how two great warriors fought for control over a sacred mountain.
Kennesaw State Owls Origin
One warrior was named Kanooswa, and he had wings like an owl, while his opponent had claws like an eagle. After a fierce battle, Kanooswa emerged victorious and became known as “the Owl” in honor of his victory.
This legend is said to have inspired Kennesaw State University when they adopted "Owls" as its official mascot in 1964 during its first year as Georgia's newest institution for higher learning. Since then, it has become synonymous with pride among students and alumni who proudly wear school colors such as black & gold or navy blue & white at athletic events across campus or around town!
Kennesaw State Owls are also well-known for being one of only three NCAA Division I schools located within Georgia state lines (the other two being UGA Bulldogs & GSU Panthers). This makes them unique amongst all collegiate teams in athletics and academics too! As part of this distinction, they compete annually against both rivals throughout regular season play before entering into post-season tournaments hosted by either conference or national organizations, including Conference USA (CUSA), home to some top programs such as National Champions UCF Knights!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1984
- 2014
- 2015
- 2017
- 2018
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Kennesaw State fields its first intercollegiate athletic teams
In 1984: Kennesaw State fields its first intercollegiate athletic teams in men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and softball. -
The Kennesaw State Owls football team plays their inaugural season
Kennesaw State announced the formation of its football program on November 12, 2013, and the team played its first season in 2014 as a member of the Big South Conference. The team was led by head coach Brian Bohannon, who had previously served as the quarterbacks coach at Georgia Tech. The Owls went 6-5 in their first season, with notable ... -
The Kennesaw State Owls women’s soccer team wins their first Atlantic Sun Conference championship
The Kennesaw State Owls women’s soccer team won the Atlantic Sun Conference championship in 2015, which was their first season as a member of the conference. The team was led by head coach Rob King, who had been with the program since 2013 and had previously coached at the University of West Georgia. The Owls finished the regular season with ... -
Darnell Holland – Big South Offensive Player of the Year
Darnell Holland, who played for the Owls from 2015 to 2018. Holland set multiple school records and was named the Big South Offensive Player of the Year in 2017. -
The Kennesaw State Owls men’s basketball team wins their first ASUN Conference championship
In 2018, the Kennesaw State Owls men’s basketball team made history by winning their first ASUN Conference championship. The team had a successful regular season, finishing with a 10-6 record in conference play and a 21-12 overall record. Led by head coach Al Skinner, the Owls continued their strong play in the conference tournament, defeating Stetson in the quarterfinals and ...
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Kennesaw State Owls History
The Kennesaw State Owls have quickly built a reputation as one of the strongest rising programs in NCAA athletics, particularly in their rivalry with the Charlotte 49ers. Founded in 1963, Kennesaw State University introduced athletics at the club level before transitioning into NCAA competition. The official athletic program became a full Division I member in 2005, and the Kennesaw State Owls football team launched in 2015, making an immediate impact on the national stage.
The Kennesaw State Owls football program wasted no time in becoming competitive. In their second season, they won their first Big South Conference championship and advanced to the FCS playoffs. Under head coach Brian Bohannon, the Owls went on to capture multiple Big South titles and earned deep playoff runs, including quarterfinal appearances in 2017 and 2018. Their early dominance made them one of the most respected new programs in the Football Championship Subdivision.
The Owls have also made their mark in basketball. The Kennesaw State Owls basketball program reached national attention when the men’s team earned its first NCAA Division I Tournament appearance in 2023, after winning the ASUN Conference championship. This historic run energized the fan base and demonstrated the growth of the program. On the women’s side, the Owls have consistently competed in the ASUN, developing a strong culture of resilience and determination.
Owls Achievements
Beyond football and basketball, Kennesaw State has found success in baseball, softball, and track and field. The baseball team, in particular, has advanced to NCAA regionals and produced standout athletes who continued into professional careers. The Owls’ athletic department emphasizes not only performance on the field but also academic success, with many student-athletes earning honors for their achievements in the classroom.
The achievements of the Kennesaw State Owls go beyond wins and championships. They have built a strong foundation of community support, drawing fans from across Georgia. The growth of both the Kennesaw State Owls football and Kennesaw State Owls basketball programs reflects the school’s rise as a competitive force in NCAA sports.
The Owls’ recent success marks only the beginning of their story. With multiple conference titles, national playoff appearances, and their historic NCAA basketball tournament berth, the Kennesaw State Owls have shown they belong among the most promising programs in the country. Their commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom ensures a bright future for Kennesaw State athletics.
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