The Lafayette Leopards represent Lafayette College with a proud tradition in NCAA athletics. Competing in the Patriot League, the Leopards are celebrated for their strong performances in Lafayette Leopards football and Lafayette Leopards baseball. With decades of history, they continue to inspire student-athletes and fans through dedication, teamwork, and competitive excellence.
College Sports Established
1826
Location
Easton, Pennsylvania
College Name
Lafayette College
Collegiate History
1982 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1986 - Present / Patriot League
1982 - 1986 / Independent
Nickname
Leopards - The Lafayette Leopards have been a part of the NCAA since 1882, and their nickname has an exciting history. The name “Leopard” was chosen to honor General Marquis de Lafayette, who served as a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He also helped secure French support for America's independence from Great Britain.
Lafayette Leopards Origin
General Marquis de Lafayette had his coat of arms, which featured two leopards, hence why he is often called "the Leopard." This made him an ideal choice when choosing a mascot for the college sports teams at what is now known as Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.
Since then, several variations of this symbol have been used by various athletic programs throughout its history, including Leopards (1882), Maroon & White (1914–1915), Indians (1920–1966), and finally back to Leopards again beginning with 1967 season up until present day!
The current version features two black leopard heads facing each other with orange eyes surrounded by green foliage - representing both strength and agility associated with these powerful animals while paying homage to General Marquis De La Fayette's original coat of arms design!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1873
- 1946
- 1978
- 1994
- 2000
- 2015
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Lafayette Leopards First Football Team
In 1873 Lafayette fields its first intercollegiate football team, beginning a long tradition of athletic excellence. -
Bob Cousy Basketball legend
Bob Cousy is a basketball legend who played for Lafayette College’s basketball team, the Lafayette Leopards, from 1946 to 1950. Here’s a timeline of his time with the team: 1946: Bob Cousy starts his college basketball career as a freshman at Lafayette College. He immediately becomes a standout player for the Lafayette Leopards, averaging 15.4 points per game in his ... -
AIAW Division III national championship Winner
In 1978 Lafayette women’s basketball team wins the AIAW Division III national championship. -
Frank Baur Hall of Fame
In 1994 Frank Baur becomes the first Lafayette football player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. -
Lafayette baseball team NCAA
In 2000 Lafayette baseball team wins the Patriot League championship and earns a berth in the NCAA Division I tournament. -
Lafayette women’s soccer team Wins
In 2015 Lafayette women’s soccer team wins the Patriot League championship and earns a berth in the NCAA Division I tournament.
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.
Lafayette Leopards History
The Lafayette Leopards have built one of the richest athletic traditions in college sports, representing Lafayette College with pride and excellence since the late 19th century. Known for their long-standing rivalry with the Bucknell Bison, the Lafayette Leopards football and Lafayette Leopards baseball teams have been key contributors to the school’s enduring sports legacy. The Leopards have competed in NCAA Division I since 1895, making them one of the nation’s oldest collegiate athletic programs.
Throughout their history, the Lafayette Leopards football program has achieved remarkable success, capturing numerous Patriot League championships and earning recognition for its fierce competition. The team has produced several standout players who went on to excel at the professional level. Similarly, the Lafayette Leopards baseball program has maintained a strong tradition of excellence, competing at a high level within the Patriot League and developing talented athletes who continued their careers in Major League Baseball.
Among the many standout athletes to emerge from Lafayette, one of the most memorable is two-time NBA All-Star Adonal Foyle, who made a lasting impact during his college years before joining the Golden State Warriors. Other notable alumni include former NFL quarterback Mark Brunell, who was part of Lafayette’s 1985 championship-winning team, and MLB infielder Jeff McNeil, currently with the New York Mets. These athletes highlight the Leopards’ ability to nurture versatile talent across multiple sports.
In recent decades, the Leopards’ basketball program thrived under longtime head coach Fran O’Hanlon, who began his tenure in 2000. O’Hanlon’s leadership helped Lafayette become a consistent contender in Division I basketball, earning over 500 career wins and multiple postseason appearances, including the NCAA Tournament and NIT. His coaching success played a major role in sustaining the Lafayette Leopards tradition of competitive excellence.
Leopards Achievements
The Lafayette Leopards football team remains one of the most respected programs in the Patriot League, celebrated for its historic rivalry with Lehigh University — one of the oldest rivalries in college football. On the diamond, the Lafayette Leopards baseball program continues to perform strongly, producing championship-caliber teams and professional-level players who represent the school’s proud sporting identity.
Over the years, the Lafayette Leopards have captured numerous league titles, earned national tournament appearances, and consistently showcased their competitive spirit across multiple sports. Their commitment to both academics and athletics has made Lafayette College a respected name in NCAA Division I competition. With passionate fans, storied traditions, and teams that continue to perform at the highest level, the Lafayette Leopards stand as a symbol of collegiate pride and athletic achievement.
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