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.
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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History of the Wildcats
The men’s hockey program is perhaps most well-known for its success on ice. Since joining Hockey East conference play during 1981–82, they have won three regular season titles (1989–90; 1997–98; 1998-99) and two tournament championships (1999 & 2003). They also made four trips to NCAA Frozen Four appearances between 1988 & 2003, which included a trip to a championship game against Boston University during the 2002/03 season, where they eventually lost 3-2 after a double overtime thriller! In addition to hockey success, other notable athletic achievements include five America East Conference Championships from the women's soccer program and several individual national champions across various sports like track & field or swimming, successfully making marks at the highest level competition!
Wildcat athletes are performing well on the national stage and having great academic success, as evidenced by 15 consecutive seasons earning NCAA Public Recognition Award for Academic Progress Rate scores above 985 out of 10 possible points - an impressive feat!
With such rich tradition and consistent athletic and academic excellence, it is no wonder why so many fans proudly support UNH Athletics each year, whether it be cheering them live at home games or following the action online from afar. Go ‘Cats!!!
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