The Virginia Cavaliers represent one of the most respected programs in NCAA athletics. Known for their rich legacy, the Cavaliers have excelled in both Virginia Cavaliers basketball and Virginia Cavaliers football. With championship wins, celebrated coaches, and standout athletes, the program continues to build its tradition of excellence on and off the field.
College Sports Established
1894
Location
Charlottesville, Virginia
College Name
University of Virginia
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1915 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1953 – Present / ACC Conference
1937 - 1953 / Independent
1921 - 1937 / Southern Conference
1894 - 1921 / Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Nickname
Cavaliers - The University of Virginia is home to one of the country's most successful NCAA Division I athletics programs. As they are known, the Cavaliers have been a powerhouse in college sports for decades, and their nickname has an exciting history.
Virginia Cavaliers Origin
The name "Cavaliers" was first used by William & Mary's football team during the 1895 season when they played against UVA. It was meant to compliment UVA's players, who were seen as brave warriors on horseback or cavaliers ready for battle - hence the moniker has stuck with them ever since!
In 1921, then-UVA president Edwin Alderman officially adopted “Cavaliers” as UVA’s official mascot after he heard it used by students and alumni alike at sporting events. Since then, Cavalier pride has only grown stronger over time, and today you can find fans proudly wearing orange and blue throughout Charlottesville on game day!
From its humble beginnings over 100 years ago up until now ––the Cavaliers continue to represent excellence both on and off the field with their championship performances year after year, proving that this nickname truly suits them well!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 1
2015
Men's Basketball 1
2019
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 7
2014, 2009, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1989
- 1968
- 1984
- 1994
- 2009
- 2015
- 2019
- 2020
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Quarterback Frank Quayle wins the ACC Player of the Year award
In 1968: Quarterback Frank Quayle wins the ACC Player of the Year award, the first of six for Virginia players1. -
Virginia’s women’s basketball team reaches the NCAA tournament
In 1984: The women’s basketball team reaches the NCAA tournament for the first time under coach Debbie Ryan and features guard Donna Holt. -
Cavaliers Men’s Soccer team wins National Championship
In 1994: The men’s soccer team wins its fifth national championship under coach Bruce Arena and features midfielder Kyle Martino. -
Virginia Soccer Champs 2009
The 2009 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament was a tournament of 48 teams from NCAA Division I who played for the NCAA Championship in soccer. The semifinals and final were held at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. All the other games were played at the home field of the higher-seeded team (indicated by * for non-seeded teams). ... -
2015 Cavaliers Win College World Series
In 2015, an injury-riddled Virginia team slumped in the regular season and needed a series win in the final regular-season series at North Carolina to sew up a bid in the ACC tournament. They made the NCAA tournament as a No. 3 seed and swept through the Lake Elsinore Regional, defeating Southern California (twice) and San Diego State. They hosted ... -
NCAA Champs Virginia Basketball 2019
The 2019 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Game was the final game of the single-elimination tournament to determine the men’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college basketball national champion for the 2018 – 2019 season. The game was played on April 8, 2019, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and ... -
Cavaliers Football team wins ACC Coastal Divison title
In 2020: The football team wins its first ACC Coastal Division title under coach Bronco Mendenhall and features quarterback Bryce Perkins.
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.
Virginia Cavaliers History
The Virginia Cavaliers are one of the most celebrated programs in NCAA athletics. With a tradition built on championships and academic excellence, the Cavaliers have excelled across multiple sports. From their historic 2019 NCAA Division I men’s basketball championship to national titles in baseball and lacrosse, the program has created a lasting legacy admired by fans nationwide. Their long-standing rivalry with the Virginia Tech Hokies adds intensity to every season and energizes supporters of Virginia Cavaliers football and Virginia Cavaliers basketball alike.
The Virginia Cavaliers began competing athletically in 1888 as members of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Over time, the program achieved remarkable success both within the ACC and on the national stage. In addition to men’s basketball and baseball, the university has earned multiple national championships in men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, rowing, and soccer. This consistent success highlights the school’s commitment to building top-tier athletic programs.
Under head coach Tony Bennett, Virginia Cavaliers basketball reached new heights, culminating in the 2019 NCAA Championship win over Texas Tech. That victory marked the program’s first national title and solidified Bennett’s reputation as one of the game’s premier coaches. Past basketball standouts such as Ralph Sampson, Malcolm Brogdon, and Kyle Guy have helped build a culture of excellence that continues to thrive at John Paul Jones Arena.
Cavaliers Achievements
Virginia Cavaliers football has also maintained a proud tradition, competing at the highest level of the ACC. The program boasts several ACC Coastal Division titles, memorable bowl game appearances, and historic players such as Chris Long, Tiki Barber, and Thomas Jones. Rivalry games against Virginia Tech remain some of the most anticipated matchups in college football each year.
Beyond football and basketball, the Virginia Cavaliers have also excelled in baseball, winning the 2015 College World Series under head coach Brian O’Connor. Multiple NCAA lacrosse titles and strong performances in Olympic sports such as tennis, rowing, and track have further enhanced the Cavaliers’ reputation as one of the most complete programs in collegiate athletics.
Today, the Virginia Cavaliers continue to build on their proud legacy. With championship-caliber programs in Virginia Cavaliers basketball, Virginia Cavaliers football, baseball, and more, the University of Virginia remains a powerhouse in NCAA sports. Their athletes and coaches embody a tradition of excellence that inspires future generations to compete at the highest level and carry the orange and blue with pride.
