The Virginia Commonwealth Rams represent one of the most dynamic programs in college sports. Known for their relentless drive and passionate fan base, the Rams have built a strong tradition in both Virginia Commonwealth University basketball and across all Virginia Commonwealth athletics. Their success reflects a commitment to excellence on the court, field, and in the classroom year after year.
College Sports Established
1838
Location
Richmond, Virginia
College Name
Virginia Commonwealth University
Collegiate History
1979 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2012 - Present / Atlantic 10 Conference
1995 - 2012 / Colonial Athletic Association
1979 - 1991 / Sun Belt Conference
Nickname
Rams - The Virginia Commonwealth Rams are a well-known NCAA basketball team, but did you know the origins of their nickname?
Virginia Commonwealth Rams Origin
The Rams were first known as the “Panthers” when they were founded in 1968. However, after two years of use, the school changed its name and mascot to reflect its new status as an independent university. In 1970, VCU officially became known as the “Rams” and adopted a ram logo for their teams' jerseys.
Richmond's history with sheep farming during colonial times heavily influenced the choice behind this new moniker. At one point in time, it is estimated that more than 100 thousand sheep were roaming around what is now downtown Richmond! Furthermore, many local roads had names such as Sheep Hill Road or Sheeppen Road, which further solidified this connection between VCU and these four-legged animals from centuries ago!
Today Ram fans can be found all over campus proudly wearing their maroon & gold colors while shouting "Go RAMS!" at sporting events throughout Virginia Commonwealth University's athletic programs. Whether cheering on your favorite basketball team or looking for some school spirit, knowing where your beloved mascot comes from adds even more meaning to being part of something special here at VCU!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1968
- 2007
- 2012
- 2015
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Virginia Commonwealth Rams men’s basketball program is established
The Virginia Commonwealth Rams men’s basketball program was established in 1968 as an independent team. The program played their first season in the 1968-69 season, and their first head coach was Chuck Noe. The team played their home games at Franklin Street Gymnasium. -
Eric Maynor – Most Outstanding Player of CAA tournament
Maynor played for the Rams from 2005-2009 and was a key player during their historic run to the Final Four in 2011. He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2007 CAA tournament and was selected by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft. -
VCU joins the Atlantic 10 Conference
In 2012, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) joined the Atlantic 10 Conference, a NCAA Division I collegiate athletic conference consisting of teams from the northeastern and midwestern United States. This move was considered a major step forward for VCU’s athletic program, as it provided the university with more exposure and competition against top-level teams. The Rams have been a member of ... -
Rams women’s basketball team wins the Atlantic 10 Conference championship
In 2015: The Rams women’s basketball team wins the Atlantic 10 Conference championship and participates in 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.
Virginia Commonwealth Rams History
The Virginia Commonwealth Rams hold one of the richest traditions in college sports, especially in their historic rivalry with the Richmond Spiders. Known for thrilling fans with unforgettable NCAA tournament performances, the Rams have become a national powerhouse. Since officially joining the Atlantic 10 Conference in 2012, the Virginia Commonwealth Rams have consistently been one of the top programs in Virginia Commonwealth University basketball. Their famous Final Four run during the 2011 season and deep tournament appearances have secured their place among elite programs.
The history of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams dates back to the founding of the program in 1968 when VCU began playing as an NCAA Division I member. Originally part of the Sun Belt Conference before moving to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the Rams steadily built a reputation for winning conference titles and making March Madness appearances. Before their move to the Atlantic 10, the Rams already had multiple NCAA tournament trips and several CAA championships to their name.
Once in the A-10, the Virginia Commonwealth Rams rose quickly with back-to-back NCAA berths, including their groundbreaking Final Four appearance in 2011 under head coach Shaka Smart. That season, led by star players Jamie Skeen and Joey Rodriguez, the Virginia Commonwealth University basketball program captured national attention for its aggressive “Havoc” defense. Since then, the Rams have continued to make multiple NCAA tournaments, regularly reaching the Sweet Sixteen and earning high seeds thanks to their success in both conference and non-conference play.
The success of Virginia Commonwealth athletics is not limited to basketball. The Rams’ athletic department also fields highly competitive teams in soccer, baseball, and track & field, earning numerous conference championships and individual All-American honors. This broad strength has made Virginia Commonwealth athletics a respected name across multiple NCAA sports.
Rams Achievements
In recent years, the Virginia Commonwealth Rams have captured additional Atlantic 10 regular-season and tournament titles while maintaining a steady pipeline of NBA-level talent from the Virginia Commonwealth University basketball program. Their commitment to excellence both on and off the court has strengthened the school’s reputation nationally.
Today, the Virginia Commonwealth Rams continue to thrive as a model of consistency and achievement in college sports. With strong leadership, talented players, and one of the loudest fan bases in the Atlantic 10, the Rams are poised to write even more history. From Virginia Commonwealth University basketball dominance to success across Virginia Commonwealth athletics, VCU’s tradition shows no sign of slowing down.
