The New Hampshire Wildcats are known for their long-standing tradition in college athletics. Their history highlights impressive achievements across multiple sports, including New Hampshire Wildcats football and New Hampshire Wildcats men’s basketball. This page explores the complete journey of the team, its growth, rivalries, and milestones that have shaped the Wildcats’ proud legacy.
College Sports Established
1866
Location
Durham, New Hampshire
College Name
University of New Hampshire
Collegiate History
1979 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1979 - Present / America East Conference
Nickname
Wildcats - The New Hampshire Wildcats have been integral to the Granite State’s sports culture for decades. The team's nickname is steeped in history and has a unique origin story many fans may not know about.
New Hampshire Wildcats Origin
The first reference to the “Wildcats” name dates back to 1923 when it was used by a local newspaper reporter covering University of New Hampshire football games. He described one player as “wildcat-like” due to his aggressive and fearless play on the field. This description caught on with other reporters, who began referring to all players from UNH as Wildcats – thus giving birth to the now iconic nickname!
Since then, Wildcat pride has only grown stronger throughout college athletics and high school sports teams across New Hampshire; no matter what level you follow or where you live in NH – everyone can show their support for this beloved mascot!
From its humble beginnings nearly 100 years ago until today, no doubt any fan of Wildcat athletics will proudly wear their colors with pride, knowing just how much history lies behind those two simple words: "Go 'Cats!"
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 2006
- 2018
- 2021
- 2021
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Historic Women’s Hockey Achievements
From 2005-06 to 2007-08, the Wildcats set school records with 33 wins in 2006 and 2008. The 2006 team broke seven team and three individual UNH records as well as four team and one individual NCAA records, and 14 team and five individual Hockey East records. In addition, the club had its first perfect season at the Whittemore Center in ... -
Stellar Season Records
The men’s soccer team has had a recent resurgence under the guidance of Marc Hubbard. The Granite State native took the team from a 6-10-1 mark in 2014 to a 10-5-3 record, including a 7-0-2 streak to start the 2015 campaign. At the end of the season, the team finished with a RPI of 52nd in the nation, improving on ... -
McDonnell’s Coaching Legacy
The football program was introduced at UNH in 1893 as a varsity team, and today they compete in the NCAA Division I. The team has had one coach, Bill Bowes, be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. During their 2020 season, the team was unable to host spectators at their home field, Wildcat Stadium. The team ended the ... -
UNH Wildcats Recognition
During their 2021 season, the Wildcats were honored by the New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, and his family, as the team embarked on their quest to round 16 of the NCAA Tournament game versus No. 1 ranked Oregon State in the Patriots private plane. With a loss against Oregon State, the UNH Wildcats end their 2021 season with a ...
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New Hampshire Wildcats History
The New Hampshire Wildcats have a rich tradition in NCAA athletics dating back to the late 19th century. The program first fielded a varsity football team in 1893, and since then the New Hampshire Wildcats football and other sports have steadily gained prominence. As members of the America East Conference for most sports and Hockey East for ice hockey, the Wildcats’ identity has grown strong among college sports fans.
In football, the New Hampshire Wildcats football team has built a strong reputation in the FCS (formerly Division I-AA). They have qualified for the playoffs 17 times, including a 14-year streak from 2004 to 2017. Conference championships came in 1947, 1948, 1950, 1953 (shared), 1965, 1991 (shared), 1994, 2005 (shared), 2012 (4-way share), 2014, and 2022. Under coaches like Bill Bowes and more recently Ricky Santos, the program has produced multiple All-Americans.
Meanwhile, New Hampshire Wildcats men’s basketball remains one of the longest-running programs in college basketball. Though the men’s basketball team has yet to make an NCAA tournament or NIT appearance, it has made gradual progress, improving in conference play and setting school records in wins in recent seasons. The rivalry with Maine and Vermont continues to be a highlight in every season.
Ice hockey and other sports have also contributed significantly to the New Hampshire Wildcats legacy. The women’s lacrosse team won the 1985 NCAA title, and the university claimed the American Women’s College Hockey Alliance title in 1998 in women’s ice hockey (pre-NCAA). These national titles and strong showings in track & field, soccer, and other sports round out the athletic achievements of UNH.
The New Hampshire Wildcats mascot, the Wildcat, became the school’s official nickname in February 1926. The mascot has been a symbol of resilience and pride, appearing at games, rallies, and community events, contributing to the Wildcats’ identity across all sports.
Achievements of the Wildcats
Over the years, the New Hampshire Wildcats football program has enjoyed significant success. Their 17 FCS playoff appearances include deep runs to the semifinals in 2013 and 2014. Under head coach Ricky Santos in 2022, UNH captured a shared CAA championship and showed strong competitiveness in conference play.
In other sports, the New Hampshire Wildcats have won NCAA national championships in women’s lacrosse (1985) and in women’s ice hockey (1998, pre-NCAA status), among several other conference and regular season titles in basketball, soccer, and track & field. Student athletes have also earned All-American recognition. These achievements highlight the breadth of talent across the New Hampshire Wildcats men’s basketball, football, and all other teams.
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