The Queens Royals represent Queens University of Charlotte in NCAA Division I athletics and have quickly built a tradition of success. Both Queens Royals basketball and Queens Royals baseball teams compete at a high level in the ASUN Conference, drawing strong fan support and shaping a proud legacy for students, alumni, and the community.
College Sports Established
1857
Location
Charlotte, North Carolina
College Name
Queens University of Charlotte
Collegiate History
2022 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2022 - Present / ASUN Conference
Nickname
Royals - The Queen's Royals are a beloved NCAA team, and their nickname has a fascinating history that many sports fans may not be aware of. The name “Royals” was chosen to commemorate the 18th-century British monarchy, specifically King George III, who reigned from 1760 to 1820. He had two sons during this period: Prince Edward Augustus and Prince Frederick Augustus Washington. Both were known for their strong support of athletics in the region now home to Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Queens Royals Origin
The school adopted its first athletic mascot—a lion named “Regal”—in 1925 as part of its commitment to promote physical education on campus and foster healthy competition among students through intercollegiate sports teams such as football, rugby union, hockey and lacrosse (which remains popular today). In honor of these royal connections at Queen’s University, the student body voted unanimously in 1926 for the new nickname "Royals" - a nod towards King George III and his two sons who supported athletics during their reigns, respectively.
Since then, the Queens Royals have become one of Canada's most successful collegiate programs, with numerous national titles across multiple varsity teams throughout various decades. They consistently rank amongst some top universities when it comes to academic excellence alongside sporting success – making them truly worthy representatives for royalty! With such outstanding achievements over time, it is no wonder they still proudly carry on the legacy behind their moniker even after all these years!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
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Queen Royals History
The Queens Royals represent Queens University of Charlotte and have built an impressive athletic legacy. The Royals officially began their NCAA identity in Division II, competing for many years in Conference Carolinas. They later moved to the South Atlantic Conference (SAC). On July 1, 2022, the Queens Royals began a four-year transition to NCAA Division I by joining the ASUN Conference. As part of that process, the Royals worked to comply with all Division I requirements and grow their programs.
Throughout their Division II era, Queens Royals basketball was a strong program. The men’s basketball team made many NCAA Division II Tournament appearances. They reached the Final Four in Division II in 2003 and again in 2018. Conference tournament and regular season championships in Conference Carolinas and SAC helped build the basketball identity of the Royals.
The athletics department at Queens has also supported Queens Royals baseball, though the baseball program has had a quieter spotlight compared to basketball. The Queens Royals baseball team plays under strong institutional support, uses its home facility at Stick Williams Dream Baseball Field, and competes with growing strength in non-conference and conference matchups.
In the years of transition to Division I, the Queens Royals basketball program demonstrated resilience. With coach Grant Leonard, the Royals men’s team posted competitive records in the ASUN, including a solid 20-15 overall in the 2024-25 season, with an 11-7 conference record. Although not yet NCAA Tournament eligible, the Royals are growing in reputation.
The University of Queens Royals athletics as a whole have expanded in recent years. The number of sports supported is large, with men’s, women’s, and coed teams. Facilities like Curry Arena for basketball and the baseball stadium add to the overall strength of athletic support. The shift to full Division I status, effective July 1, 2025, gives the Royals new eligibility for postseason championships beginning that academic year.
Royals Achievements
In Queens Royals basketball, notable achievements include multiple deep runs in NCAA Division II tournaments, Final Four appearances in 2003 and 2018, and several conference tournament championships in Conference Carolinas and SAC. Since beginning the transition to Division I, Queens Royals basketball has posted winning ASUN conference records, beating established Division I opponents and securing first postseason invitational invitations like the CBI in 2025.
For Queens Royals baseball, the program continues to improve its competitive consistency. While baseball has fewer high-profile postseason achievements than basketball, Queens Royals baseball has had winning seasons, strong showings in conference play, and has benefited from institutional investment in facilities and coaching. As the Royals reach active Division I status, Queens Royals baseball is positioned to aim for conference titles and potential NCAA postseason appearances in the coming years.
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