College Sports Established
1888
Location
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
College Name
Wake Forest University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1922 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1953 – Present / ACC Conference
1936 - 1953 / Southern Conference
Nickname
Demon Deacons - The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are one of the most storied programs in NCAA history, and their iconic nickname has been around for almost a century. The story behind the name is as unique as it is intriguing.
In 1923, when the football team was first formed at what was then called Wake Forest College (now known as Wake Forest University), they needed an identity to represent them on and off the field. At that time, two popular nicknames were used by other teams: “Baptists” or “Deacons” – both referring to the religious affiliations of some faculty members at school. But instead of choosing either one outright, they combined them into something new – thus creating “Demon Deacons”!
It wasn't until 1941 that this nickname officially became part of university lore; before this point, it had only been used informally amongst students and alumni alike. In fact, during these early years, many newspapers referred to them simply as "Wake" rather than using their full name or nickname - which may have led some people today to think that 'Demon' was part of their official title! Nevertheless, its popularity grew so much over time that it's impossible not to think about Demons when you hear 'Wake.'
As if having such an unusual mascot wasn't enough already, several legends surround its origin too! One story goes back all way before 1923 - claiming a local minister once saw demons dancing in nearby woods while praying near campus late at night… another claims he heard strange noises coming from the same spot... whatever truth lies behind these myths remain unknown but adds even more mystique & charm around beloved Demon Deacon logo we know today!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 1
1955
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 1
2007
- 1997
- 2007
- 2010
- 2017
- 2022
- 2023
-
Demon Deacon Tim Duncan
During the 1995–96 NCAA season, the Wake Forest team lost Childress, who had graduated the previous season and entered the NBA. In Childress’s absence, Duncan led the team to a 12–4 record for their ACC season, and a 26–6 record overall. The Demon Deacons won the ACC Finals again, but in the Sweet 16, Duncan came down with the flu, ... -
Deacons Soccer Champs 2007
The most successful season in team history took place in 2007 when Wake Forest won the NCAA Division I Championship in a 2–1 decision over Ohio State. It marked the program’s only championship to date. During their championship run, the No. 2 seeded Deacons defeated Furman 1–0, No. 15 West Virginia 3–1, and No. 10 Notre Dame 2–1 in overtime ... -
Deacons women’s soccer team reaches the NCAA College Cup
In 2010: The women’s soccer team reaches the NCAA College Cup for the first time under coach Tony da Luz and features forward Katie Stengel. -
Deacons baseball team reaches the Super Regionals for the first time
In 2017: The baseball team reaches the Super Regionals for the first time under coach Tom Walter and features outfielder Stuart Fairchild. -
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl Championship
In 2022: Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl Championship Caps Exciting Season for Wake Forest Football. Sam Hartman was named MVP following a three-touchdown performance. The Charlotte, N.C. native is the first player in program history to earn two bowl game MVPs in their career at Wake Forest. The Deacs have set a new standard for success in the win column ... -
Wake Forest Receives No. 1 National Seed in NCAA Tournament
The Demon Deacons were selected as the No. 1 overall seed for the 2023 NCAA Baseball Tournament
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History of the Demon Deacons
The Demon Deacons have made an impressive mark on college basketball with two Final Four appearances (1962 & 1996) and six ACC titles (1995-96). They also boast an impressive list of alumni who have become NBA stars, including Tim Duncan, Chris Paul, and Jeff Teague – all three players were named All-Stars multiple times throughout their careers. On top of that, Wake Forest’s football program is just as successful, having won seven conference titles since joining Division I in 1973 while producing NFL greats such as Brian Piccolo and Norm Snead, among others.
Overall, it’s clear why so many people consider Wake Forest University a powerhouse for collegiate athletics – they consistently produce quality teams year after year, making them a force to be reckoned with whenever NCAA competition arises! From basketball legends like Tim Duncan or Chris Paul all way down through football icons like Brian Piccolo or Norm Snead, there is no shortage of talent coming from this school each season, which only adds more prestige behind its already remarkable history within collegiate sports!
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