College Sports Established
1903
Location
Storrs, Connecticut
College Name
University of Connecticut
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2020 - Present / Big East Conference
2013 – 2019 / American Athletic Conference
1979 - 2013 / Big East Conference
1946 – 1979 / Yankee Conference
1903 – 1946 / Independent
Nickname
Huskies - The Connecticut Huskies are one of the country's most storied and successful college sports programs. From their historic success on the basketball court to their championship-winning football teams, UConn has a long and proud history of more than 100 years. But what many fans may not know is how this iconic nickname came about.
In 1899, shortly after UConn was founded as Storrs Agricultural College, its first intercollegiate team began competing under the name Aggies—a nod to its agricultural roots. The school changed names several times over the ensuing decades before becoming the University of Connecticut in 1939 when it merged with another local institution known as Connecticut State College (now part of Central CT State University).
Around this same period (1934-35), then-athletic director Lester “Doc” Carlson wanted a new mascot for his growing program that would better represent both sides of campus: agriculture and academics. After much deliberation, he settled on Huskies—the perfect blend between strength & agility needed for athletics while still paying homage to the University’s rural background through its connection with sled dogs used by Arctic explorers like Robert Peary & Matthew Henson during their expeditions into northern Canada/Alaska regions during late 19th century/early 20th century periods respectively!
Since adopting the husky moniker back 1934 season opener vs. Rhode Island School Designers, UCONN proudly embraced the spirit animals, which continues today through various forms like live mascots Jonathan XIV & Jonathan XVII roaming sidelines at home games or popular cheerleading chants such as “Let’s Go Huskies!” echoing throughout stadiums across nation whenever they play any sports NCAA sanctioned level competition… all thanks Doc Carlson coming up creative solution way back 1935!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 6
2024, 2023, 2014, 2011, 2004, 1999
Women's Basketball 11
2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2009, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1995
Football 0
Soccer 2
2000, 1981
- 2000
- 2014
- 2016
- 2023
- 2024
-
Second Men’s Soccer Tournament for the Huskies
The 2000 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament was the 41st organized men’s college soccer tournament by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, to determine the top college soccer team in the United States. The Connecticut Huskies won their second national title by defeating the Creighton Blue Jays in the championship game, 2–0. The final match was played on December 10, ... -
#4 NCAA Final Four Champs – UConn Huskies
In 2014 led by American Athletic Conference Player of the Year Shabazz Napier, UConn became the first #7 seed to win the NCAA Championship, getting past No. 1 seed Florida, No. 2 seed Villanova, No. 3 seed Iowa State, and No. 4 seed Michigan State, before defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60–54 in the championship game in Arlington, Texas. UConn is ... -
Undefeated Season and 16th Championship Lady Huskies
In 2015 UConn landed another top recruit in #1 High School prospect Katie Lou Samuelson; she quickly earned a spot in the starting five alongside sophomore Kia Nurse and seniors Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson, and Morgan Tuck. The team was unstoppable all season long, beating every opponent by an average of 39.7 points, and easily winning conference regular season and ... -
Number 5 NCAA Championship for the Huskies
The 2023 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament involved 68 teams playing in a single-elimination tournament that determined the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I men’s basketball national champion for the 2022–23 season. The 84th annual edition of the tournament began on March 14, 2023. It concluded with the Connecticut Huskies defeating the San Diego State Aztecs, 76–59, in ... -
Back to Back National Champions in 2024
The UConn Huskies achieved a historic feat in 2024 by becoming the first back-to-back national champions in 17 years. They secured their second consecutive national championship with a convincing 75-60 victory over Purdue, showcasing exceptional performance and defensive prowess. This remarkable achievement solidifies their position as one of the best teams to win the title, with an average margin of ...
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History of the Huskies
The Connecticut Huskies have a long and storied history in the NCAA. Since their first season in 1896, they’ve been one of the most successful teams on the collegiate level. From winning national championships to producing some of the best athletes, coaches, and administrators in college sports, here is a look at some key moments from UConn's past that made them into what they are today:
1. The Early Years (1896-1940): In its early days as an independent school program, UConn won several state titles before joining Rhode Island State College to form an intercollegiate athletic association known as “the New England Conference” in 1932. During this period, UConn had success both on and off the field with notable alumni such as Hall of Fame football coach Bob Diaco who was part of two undefeated seasons during his tenure at Storrs (1937 & 1938).
2. Post World War II Success (1945-1985): Following WWII, there was no stopping for Connecticut athletics which saw multiple conference championships across all sports, including basketball, where Coach Dee Rowe led his team to three consecutive Final Four appearances between 1975-1977 while also becoming recognized nationally for their dominance over other Big East schools like Georgetown and Syracuse during this era too!
3 National Championships Era Begins(1986 - Present): It wasn't until 1986, when Jim Calhoun took over head coaching duties, that things started taking shape for Husky Basketball, leading them to back-to-back National Championships within five years after being crowned champions again in 1999 under Kevin Ollie's leadership! Meanwhile, Football has seen more consistent success since the 2000s thanks largely due contributions by former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky who helped lead a team with 10+ wins four times throughout the decade, plus another championship appearance 2012 Orange Bowl against West Virginia Mountaineers, which ended in with a loss but still marked a historic moment program nonetheless...
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