College Sports Established
1845
Location
Annapolis, Maryland
College Name
United States Naval Academy
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1991 - Present / Patriot League
1879 - 1991 / Independent
Nickname
Midshipmen - For sports fans, the Navy Midshipmen is a name that has been synonymous with college athletics for decades. But what many may not know is the exciting origin story behind this iconic nickname.
The term "Midshipman" originated in 17th century England as an honorary title given to young men studying at sea schools and training to become officers in the British Royal Navy. The students were referred to as “middies” or “shipmates” during their studies. Eventually, they became known simply as midshipmen once they graduated from naval school and took up command positions on ships worldwide.
In 1845, when Congress authorized a Naval Academy to be established near Annapolis, Maryland, it was decided that its student body would also be called midshipmen — honoring their predecessors who had served so bravely throughout history — thus giving birth to one of college football's most beloved nicknames: The Navy Midshipmen!
Today, being part of such an esteemed tradition carries great pride among those associated with it; whether you are attending classes at USNA or watching them play on Saturdays during football season - there's no doubt how special this team is! So next time you cheer for your favorite NCAA team, show some extra love for these guys, too – after all, they've earned it!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 1
1964
- 1845
- 2004
- 2007
- 2008
- 2013
-
Beginning of Navy Midshipmen Athletics
In 1845, The United States Naval Academy is established in Annapolis, Maryland. While the Academy initially focused on training naval officers, it eventually formed a robust athletic program that included football, baseball, basketball, and many other sports. -
The Navy women’s soccer team wins the Patriot League championship
2004: The Navy women’s soccer team wins the Patriot League championship. This was the team’s first conference championship and NCAA tournament appearance in program history. -
Navy men’s basketball team wins the Patriot League championship
In 2007, The Navy men’s basketball team wins the Patriot League championship and makes its first NCAA tournament appearance since 1998. The team upset fourth-seeded University of California, Berkeley in the first round before losing to Vanderbilt in the second round. -
David Robinson – Hall of Fame
David Robinson (basketball): Robinson played for Navy from 1983 to 1987 and is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the program. He was a two-time consensus All-American and led the team to its first NCAA tournament appearance in 1985. Robinson was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Naval Academy Athletic ... -
Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy
In 2013, The Navy football team wins the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy for the first time since 2009. The team finished the season with a 9-4 record and a victory over Middle Tennessee State in the Armed Forces Bowl.
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 Midshipmen
Navy’s football team is perhaps its most recognizable squad due to its success over the years; they are currently ranked as one of only two FBS Independent programs that still compete at an elite level without conference affiliation (the other being Notre Dame). Since joining Division I-A in 1978, the Navy has won 11 Commander-in-Chief's Trophy titles for their head-to-head competition with fellow service academy Air Force and Army West Point. They also boast 10 bowl game appearances throughout their illustrious history, including three consecutive wins from 2003–05 against New Mexico State University (now known as New Mexico State Aggies), Colorado State University Rams, and Northwestern Wildcats.
In addition to their successes on the gridiron, Midshipman athletes have enjoyed considerable success across many other disciplines, including men’s soccer which boasts 13 NCAA tournament appearances and four trips into Final Four play between 1959–1964 under legendary coach Glenn Warner. Furthermore, women’s basketball holds nine CAA regular season championships. At the same time, baseball owns six Patriot League titles since 2005—all culminating in numerous individual accolades such as All-American honors for players like Keenan Reynolds, who became just the third player ever drafted by the NFL directly out of USNA after winning the Heisman Trophy finalist award back 2015.
The legacy left behind by generations of talented student-athletes continues today through modern-day heroes like Will Worth, who recently led the 2016 Football team all way up until National Championship Game versus Louisiana Tech Bulldogs — ultimately becoming the first person ever to win the prestigious NAAA Sword Honor presented annually top cadet athlete school year. As a testament to the hard work and dedication put forth by countless individuals, past and present alike, it is clear why U .S . Naval Academy stands among the nation's premier collegiate athletic institutions time come.
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