History of the Midshipmen

As one of the most storied programs in college athletics, Navy Midshipmen sports have a long and proud history. The program began in 1879 when the United States Naval Academy was founded and has since grown to include more than 20 NCAA Division I teams competing across multiple sports. From football to basketball, lacrosse to sailing, Navy Midshipmen athletes have consistently demonstrated excellence on the field and off.

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.