The St. Joseph’s Hawks are a symbol of tradition and success in NCAA sports. Known for competitive spirit, the St. Joseph’s Hawks basketball program and other teams under the St. Joseph’s University Hawks banner have produced standout athletes, memorable moments, and passionate fans who continue to support their teams through every season.
College Sports Established
1851
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
College Name
Saint Joseph's University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1958 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1982 - Present / Atlantic 10 Conference
1958 - 1982 / East Coast Conference
Nickname
Hawks - The St. Joseph’s Hawks have been a staple of college athletics for decades, and their nickname is steeped in history. The origins of the name date back to 1851 when the school was founded by Father John F. Hogan, S.J., who wanted to honor his alma mater—St Joseph's College at Bardstown, Kentucky—by naming the new school after it as well.
St. Joseph's Hawks Origin
Father Hogan chose “Hawks” as the team’s mascot because he believed that hawks represented strength and courage – qualities he hoped would embody himself and his students alike! Since then, St Joe's has become one of only three NCAA Division I programs with an animal mascot (the other two being Rhode Island Rams & South Dakota Coyotes).
The Hawks are also known for their iconic logo, which features a hawk head atop an old-fashioned shield with four stars on either side representing each branch of service within our nation's armed forces - Army, Navy, Air Force & Marines - honoring those who serve or have served this great country! This logo has been used since 1969, when it was first introduced during halftime ceremonies at home football games; however, its roots can be traced all way back to 1924 when it appeared in various publications associated with SJU Athletics Department, including yearbooks and game day programs throughout mid-20th century era until present day where you can find this iconic symbol everywhere from apparel items such basketball jerseys t-shirts hats etcetera!
So next time you spot someone sporting some Hawk gear around campus or in public, don't forget the rich history behind why we call ourselves "Hawks." Go SJU!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1901
- 1940
- 2005
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St. Joseph’s fields its first basketball team
In 1901, St. Joseph’s College (now St. Joseph’s University) fielded its first basketball team. The team played its first game on February 5, 1901, against the University of Pennsylvania. The game was played at the Philadelphia YMCA and St. Joseph’s lost by a score of 22-4. The team played only one other game that season, against the Philadelphia School of ... -
Jack Ramsay Era
Jack Ramsay is one of the most notable figures in the history of St. Joseph’s Hawks basketball. He played for St. Joseph’s in the early 1940s, and then went on to become a legendary coach in the NBA. As a player at St. Joseph’s, Ramsay was a standout guard on some very successful teams. He helped lead the Hawks to ... -
St. Joseph’s basketball team wins Atlantic 10 Conference title
In 2005: The St. Joseph’s basketball team wins its 13th conference championship, the Atlantic 10 Conference title, and reaches the NCAA tournament.
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.
St. Joseph’s Hawks History
The St. Joseph’s Hawks have built a proud tradition of excellence in NCAA athletics dating back to the early 1900s, when they began competing as members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Since 1956 the St. Joseph’s Hawks have been an NCAA Division I program and a core member of the Atlantic 10 Conference. Their celebrated rivalry with programs such as the Duquesne Dukes has helped cement the St. Joseph’s University Hawks as one of the most recognized names in college sports.
Over the decades, the St. Joseph’s Hawks basketball program has become the centerpiece of the university’s athletic identity. Known for hard-nosed defense and crisp ball movement, the team has captured multiple Atlantic 10 regular-season and tournament titles and has made numerous NCAA Tournament appearances. The 2003–04 St. Joseph’s Hawks basketball squad, led by Jameer Nelson and Delonte West, went undefeated in the regular season and advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight—one of the most memorable campaigns in school history.
While basketball takes the spotlight, the St. Joseph’s University Hawks have also excelled in other sports. Hawks baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse teams have produced All-Americans and Academic All-Americans, with many athletes going on to professional leagues in the United States and abroad. This breadth of success highlights the depth of the St. Joseph’s Hawks athletic program beyond just the basketball court.
What makes the St. Joseph’s Hawks unique is how consistently they compete against larger, better-funded schools. Despite limited resources compared with national powerhouses, the St. Joseph’s University Hawks have built a reputation for discipline, strong coaching, and a supportive fan base that travels well and fills Hagan Arena every season.
Hawks Achievements
Among their most notable achievements, the St. Joseph’s Hawks basketball program has produced numerous NBA players, including Jameer Nelson, Delonte West and Langston Galloway. In baseball, the St. Joseph’s University Hawks have sent several standouts into the minor leagues and earned multiple Atlantic 10 postseason berths, continuing to elevate the university’s profile.
Today the St. Joseph’s Hawks, through both St. Joseph’s Hawks basketball and a growing list of other competitive programs, remain a symbol of perseverance and success. As the St. Joseph’s University Hawks move forward, their tradition of producing outstanding student-athletes and memorable seasons ensures that the Hawks’ legacy will continue to thrive on and off the field.
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