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
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 Wildcats
New Hampshire Wildcats sports teams have a long and storied history of over 100 years. The University of New Hampshire has been competing in college athletics since its founding in 1893, with the first varsity team being fielded in 1895. Over the past century, the Wildcats have established themselves as a premier Division I program in collegiate athletics.
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!!!