The Stetson Hatters represent Stetson Hatters University in NCAA Division I athletics and have built a strong reputation for excellence. From Stetson Hatters football to basketball and other programs, the university’s teams compete with determination and skill, creating a proud legacy that continues to grow for students, alumni, and fans throughout Florida and beyond.
College Sports Established
1883
Location
DeLand, Florida
College Name
Stetson University
Collegiate History
1985 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1985 - Present / ASUN Conference
Nickname
Hatters - The Stetson Hatters are a NCAA Division I college athletic program in DeLand, Florida. The school is known for its unique nickname and exciting backstory.
The “Hatters” nickname originated in 1883 when John B. Stetson founded the university and established a hat factory on campus that produced hundreds of different hats daily. These hats were popular with students and faculty alike, leading to them becoming known as “Hatters” due to their association with Stetson Hats.
Stetson Hatters Origin
In addition to being associated with quality headwear, the term "hatters" was also used by local farmers who lived near DeLand at the time as slang for anyone who worked hard or kept busy all day - just like those employed in John B.'s hat factory! This connection ultimately led to it becoming adopted as the official mascot name when sports teams began forming at what was then called John B. Stetson University (now referred to as "Stetson").
Today, fans proudly wear their beloved Hatter gear while cheering on their favorite teams during games - from baseball and basketball through football season! Whether you're attending your first game or celebrating another championship, win alongside fellow alumni members around town – make sure you don't forget your trusty fedora or another classic style of the cap from one of America's oldest collegiate hat makers: The Legendary House Of STETSON®!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1901
- 1971
- 1996
- 2017
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Stetson fields its first intercollegiate athletic team
In 1901, Stetson University fielded its first intercollegiate athletic team, which was a football squad. Here are some additional details about this significant event: The formation of the football team marked Stetson University’s entry into the realm of organized collegiate athletics. Football was a popular sport in the early 20th century, and many universities were establishing teams to compete against ... -
Hatters Baseball Earns NCAA Division I Championship Berth
In 1971: The Hatters’ baseball team earns a berth in the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship, its first appearance in the tournament. -
Hatters Men’s Basketball Wins First TAAC Championship
In 1996: The Hatters men’s basketball team secures its first conference championship in the TAAC, earning a spot in the NCAA Division I tournament. -
Stetson’s men’s basketball team wins the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship
In 2017: Stetson’s men’s basketball team wins the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship and earns a spot in the NCAA Division I 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.
Stetson Hatters History
The Stetson Hatters represent Stetson Hatters University (Stetson University) in college athletics, and their history is full of rises, pauses, and strong comebacks. Stetson University’s first football team was fielded in 1901, making the Stetson Hatters football program one of the oldest in Florida. The school dropped football in 1956, but the Stetson Hatters football team was revived in 2013, returning to NCAA competition at the Division I FCS level in the Pioneer Football League.
Meanwhile, Stetson Hatters baseball has been one of the most successful programs at Stetson University. Baseball at Stetson began in 1895 and has produced many Major League Baseball players. Under long-time coach Pete Dunn, the Stetson Hatters baseball squad won numerous ASUN titles and made frequent NCAA Regional appearances.
The Stetson Hatters university sports identity includes men’s basketball, golf, tennis, cross country, softball, volleyball, soccer, and more. The Stetson Hatters are members of the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN), and they compete at a high level in multiple sports. Their fan base is loyal, especially for baseball and football.
Stetson’s Stetson Hatters football program has had noteworthy historical moments: their early 1900s football teams claimed several state-titles in Florida, they played in and won the 1952 Tangerine Bowl, and they logged an impressive undefeated season in some early years. When the football program was reinstated in 2013, the Hatters immediately began building toward relevancy in the Pioneer Football League.
Hatters Achievements
In Stetson Hatters baseball, achievements include winning multiple ASUN Conference regular season and tournament championships. In 2024, the Stetson Hatters baseball team won the ASUN Championship title and advanced to the NCAA Baseball Tournament. They followed up in 2025 by again securing tournament success, including a strong performance in Regionals. The baseball program also boasts many Major League alumni, such as Corey Kluber and Jacob deGrom, testifying to the high development level within the Stetson Hatters baseball program.
For Stetson Hatters football, the program’s revival in 2013 has yielded steady progress. The Stetson Hatters football team posted its first winning season since reinstatement in 2018, finishing with a strong record within their conference. Early in the 20th century, before the hiatus, the Hatters claimed multiple state titles and made impactful marks in Florida football history. The modern program continues to build infrastructure, recruitment, and competitive consistency under its current coaching staff.
