College Sports Established
1929
Location
Poughkeepsie, New York
College Name
Marist College
Collegiate History
1997 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1997 - Present / Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
Nickname
Red Foxes - The Marist Red Foxes have been a beloved team at Marist College for decades, and their unique nickname has become a source of pride for students and alumni. But where did this nickname originate? The story behind the Red Foxes' name is fascinating and deeply rooted in the college's history.
Marist Red Foxes Origin
Legend has it that the nickname was inspired by a fox spotted on the Marist campus in the early 1900s. The fox was known for its striking red fur and often roamed the grounds. Students and faculty alike were taken with the animal's beauty and grace, and it soon became a symbol of the college's spirit and resilience. As a result, the Marist athletic teams adopted the name "Red Foxes" as a nod to the iconic animal that had captured their hearts.
Today, the Red Foxes' nickname is a testament to the strong sense of community and tradition at Marist College. It represents the determination and tenacity of the students, faculty, and staff who make up the Marist family. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or in the community, the Red Foxes continue to embody the spirit of their namesake and inspire future generations to do the same. As a proud fan of the Marist Red Foxes, I am honored to be a part of this rich history and to cheer on our team as they continue to make us proud.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Hockey 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
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.
Marist Red Foxes History
The Marist Red Foxes have built a proud legacy in college athletics since their early beginnings in 1905, particularly through their rivalry with the Rider Broncs. Representing Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, the Marist Red Foxes have become a respected name in NCAA Division I competition. They have fielded strong teams across multiple sports, including Marist Red Foxes baseball, football, basketball, and soccer, earning a reputation for consistent excellence and determination.
The rise of the Marist Red Foxes basketball program in the 1980s was a defining moment in school history. In 1987, led by standout center and future NBA All-Star Rik Smits, the men’s basketball team made its first-ever NCAA Division I Tournament appearance. This remarkable run not only energized the college community but also marked Marist as a legitimate force within the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). Since then, the Marist Red Foxes basketball teams have maintained a competitive edge, regularly contending for conference titles and postseason opportunities.
Beyond the court, Marist Red Foxes baseball has also earned recognition for its consistent performance and player development. The baseball team has captured multiple MAAC championships and produced several players who went on to play professionally, demonstrating the program’s commitment to excellence. Similarly, Marist Red Foxes football has built a loyal following, competing at the Division I FCS level and earning respect for its disciplined and competitive play.
Red Foxes Achievements
The women’s basketball program has been a standout success story for Marist, dominating the MAAC with 11 conference championships and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances. Their sustained success underlines the strength of women’s athletics at Marist and continues to inspire future generations of Red Foxes athletes.
Over the years, the Marist Red Foxes have achieved excellence not just in athletics but also in academics, consistently producing student-athletes who excel in both fields. With a tradition built on teamwork, pride, and perseverance, the Marist Red Foxes baseball, football, and basketball programs continue to represent the college with distinction, upholding a legacy that remains one of the most respected in the MAAC.