The Old Dominion Monarchs have built a rich athletic tradition that highlights the strength of Old Dominion football and Old Dominion basketball. From their early beginnings to national recognition, the Monarchs’ history reflects passion, teamwork, and perseverance. Their legacy continues to grow as both programs achieve milestones that define Old Dominion’s sports excellence.
College Sports Established
1930
Location
Norfolk, Virginia
College Name
Old Dominion University
Collegiate History
1991 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1982 - 1991, 2023 - Present / Sun Belt Conference
2013 - 2023 / C-USA Conference
1991 - 2013 / Colonial Athletic Association
Nickname
Monarchs - The Old Dominion Monarchs are a powerhouse in the NCAA, and their name is steeped in history. The school adopted the nickname when it became an independent university after its separation from William & Mary College. It’s believed that the “Monarch” part of the name came from King Charles I, who granted a charter to establish William & Mary College in 1693.
Old Dominion Monarchs Origin
The story goes that King Charles I declared himself as “monarch of all Virginia” and thus bestowed his status upon those associated with William & Mary College – including Old Dominion University after they separated from W&M decades later. This explains why today's ODU sports teams are called "the Monarchs."
In addition to honoring its royal roots, there is speculation that this nickname may have been chosen for another reason: to simultaneously represent strength and power on behalf of both schools. After all, monarchs were seen as strong rulers during medieval times – so calling one's team "the Monarchs" could be interpreted as a symbolic representation of both institutions' collective strength!
Whatever you believe about how Old Dominion got its famous moniker - one thing remains clear: it has remained unchanged since being adopted over 100 years ago! So if you're looking for a way to show your support for ODU athletics without wearing any apparel or gear - refer to them proudly by their timeless title: The Monarch.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1930
- 1970
- 1992
- 2013
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Monarchs Football – Tommy Scott era
According to sports historian Peter Stewart, in September 1930 a reporter asked Coach Tommy Scott whether the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary should have a football team. Scott answered that he had not thought of having one, but within two days a team was “put together hurriedly” and began playing other small colleges. In late December ... -
Starting of Women’s Basketball team
The ODU Monarchs women’s basketball team contributed to the initial rise in popularity of women’s intercollegiate basketball in the United States in the 1970s. Women’s college basketball was organized under the auspices of the AIAW in the early 1970s, at a time when competitive power was distributed among small colleges that had established a niche (such as Immaculata, Delta State, ... -
Six CAA Championship Winner
The Old Dominion University Monarchs men’s basketball team have captured six CAA championship titles (1992, 1995, 1997, 2005, 2010, and 2011) since their conference admission in 1992, which is the most among all CAA schools. -
Basketball Head Coach Jeff Jones
Jeff Jones became the head coach of Old Dominion for the 2013–14 season and has led ODU 1 NIT Final Four appearance. Jones is 89–51 in four years as head coach of the Monarchs. Jeff Jones lead the Monarchs to the 2019 Conference USA Championship and the 2019 NCAA Tournament where they fell to eventual Elite 8 participant Purdue in ...
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.
Old Dominion Monarchs History
The Old Dominion Monarchs represent one of the most respected athletic programs in collegiate sports. Founded in 1930, Old Dominion University built a strong foundation that continues to shine in both Old Dominion football and Old Dominion basketball. Over the decades, the Monarchs have earned national recognition for their consistency, competitive spirit, and commitment to athletic excellence. Their historic rivalry with Appalachian State remains one of the most memorable in NCAA history.
In the early years, the Old Dominion basketball program became a powerhouse, particularly under the guidance of legendary coach Paul Webb. Between 1976 and 1981, the Monarchs captured five consecutive conference championships and appeared in multiple NCAA and NIT tournaments. The men’s team has remained a strong competitor through various conference transitions, including the Colonial Athletic Association and Conference USA.
The women’s basketball program also became nationally known, highlighted by their 1985 NCAA National Championship and numerous tournament runs that established them as one of the most successful programs in women’s college basketball.
The Old Dominion football team also holds a remarkable legacy. Originally competing in the lower divisions, the Monarchs achieved success by winning three Division II National Championships between 1979 and 1997. The football program was reinstated in 2009 after a brief absence, quickly gaining attention for its dynamic style and strong fan support. By 2018, the team had transitioned into the FBS level, competing in Conference USA and later joining the Sun Belt Conference. Their notable victory over Virginia Tech in 2018 remains a highlight of modern Old Dominion football history.
Monarchs Achievements
Beyond championships, the Old Dominion Monarchs are celebrated for developing exceptional talent. The university has produced standout athletes who have made their mark in professional sports. Stars like NBA legend David Robinson, MLB All-Star Josh Hamilton, and NFL receiver Zach Pascal all share roots with the Monarchs. Their journeys from college to the professional stage reflect the university’s dedication to nurturing excellence both on and off the field.
Throughout its proud history, Old Dominion University has collected 11 national titles across multiple sports and 24 conference championships since joining Division I in 1975. These achievements symbolize the Monarchs’ relentless pursuit of greatness and their enduring presence in collegiate athletics.
Today, the Old Dominion Monarchs, through both Old Dominion football and Old Dominion basketball, continue to uphold a tradition of integrity, teamwork, and success. The programs’ continued growth ensures that Monarch fans have much to look forward to, as Old Dominion remains a symbol of pride, competition, and unwavering spirit in NCAA sports.
