College Sports Established
1926
Location
Brooklyn and Brookville, New York
College Name
Long Island University
Collegiate History
1982 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1982 - Present / Northeast Conference
Nickname
Sharks - For sports fans, the origin of team nicknames can be an exciting topic. Take, for example, the LIU Sharks, a nickname Long Island University has used since 1926.
The story behind this unique moniker begins with Dr. Raymond Fosberg, who was appointed LIU’s first director of athletics in 1925 and served until his retirement in 1957. During his time at the helm, he proposed changing their name from “the Blackbirds” to something more appropriate for a college athletic program—something fierce and intimidating like a shark!
Fosberg felt strongly about giving all teams under his watch strong names that could inspire fear among opponents while also creating pride within its ranks–and so it became official: The LIU Sharks were born!
As time passed, Fosberg's vision proved successful as athletes proudly donned their new uniforms featuring bold blue-and-gold colors along with an iconic shark logo displayed prominently across them; they quickly gained recognition throughout collegiate athletics circles both locally and nationally. Although there have been some minor tweaks to logos over the years (most recently in 2019), one thing remains true: The ferocity of Dr. Fosberg’s original vision still lives on today through every iteration of “LIU Shark Pride."
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
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History of the Sharks
One moment that stands out was when LIU won its first-ever NCAA tournament game against Temple University under legendary coach Clair Bee in the 1952-53 season. This victory marked a significant milestone for both the program and school as it established them as a legitimate contender on the national stage and sparked a run that saw them reach five consecutive postseasons from 1953-1957 - something only two other schools had achieved at this time (Kentucky & North Carolina).
Since then, The Sharks have gone on to produce several NBA stars, including Hall Of Fame center Chris Mullin who played at LIU from 1981–1985 before being drafted by Golden State Warriors seventh overall pick 1985 draft; Jamaal Tinsley, who went straight into NBA after his senior year 1998-1999; Charles Jenkins 2011 CAA player year award winner drafted 44th overall by Golden State Warriors 2011 draft; Jamal Olasewere 2012 NEC player year award winner 2013 Brooklyn Nets second-round selection etc.. These are just a few names among many others whose legacy continues even today within current roster members like Jashaun Agosto (2019 NEC Defensive Player Year) or Julian Batts (2020 All-Rookie Team member).
Furthermore, off-court accomplishments also deserve recognition, such as academic achievements, which include having the highest graduation rate among all public universities within the New York City area, according to a 2019 US News report, or receiving the prestigious 2020 National Association Collegiate Directors Athletics Community Service Award due their commitment towards various charity events throughout Long Island region.
In conclusion, LIU Shark's rich sporting heritage, combined with a consistent record of high academic performance, makes it one of the most prominent university athletic departments nationwide, which deserves more attention than it currently receives.
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