College Sports Established
1946
Location
DeWitt, New York
College Name
Le Moyne College
Collegiate History
2023 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2023 - Present / Northeast Conference
Nickname
Dolphins - As die-hard sports fans, we know that a team's nickname holds a special significance. It embodies the team's spirit, history, and culture and becomes a source of pride for players and fans alike. In college sports, one such nickname that has captured the hearts of many is the Le Moyne Dolphins. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this unique and intriguing nickname? Let's deeply dive into the history of the Le Moyne Dolphins and discover the story behind their iconic moniker.
The Le Moyne Dolphins are the athletic teams of Le Moyne College, a private Jesuit college located in Syracuse, New York. The college was founded in 1946 by the Society of Jesus, and its athletic teams were originally known as the "Saints." However, in 1967, the college underwent a significant rebranding, and with it came the birth of a new nickname for its athletic teams - the Dolphins.
So, why the change? The answer lies in the history of the college and its founder, Father Simon Le Moyne. Father Le Moyne was a French Jesuit missionary who played a crucial role in North America's early exploration and settlement. He was known for his adventurous spirit, love for the sea, and deep connection to nature. He often traveled by canoe, and his journeys took him to the shores of the Great Lakes, where he established a mission for the Native American people.
The college's decision to honor Father Le Moyne by adopting the Dolphin as its mascot was a tribute to his adventurous and pioneering spirit. The Dolphin, known for its intelligence, agility, and grace, perfectly embodies the values and characteristics of Father Le Moyne. It also symbolizes the college's commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to shaping well-rounded individuals.
But the origins of the nickname are even more profound. The Dolphin also symbolizes the Jesuit order, representing their motto, "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam," which translates to "For the Greater Glory of God." This motto reflects the Jesuits' belief that all actions should be for the greater glory of God, and the Dolphin serves as a reminder of this philosophy for the Le Moyne community.
Since its adoption, the Le Moyne Dolphins nickname has become integral to the college's identity. It has been embraced by students, alumni, and fans alike and has become synonymous with it.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
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.
History of the Dolphins
The Le Moyne Dolphins sports program began in 1946 with the formation of the men's basketball team. Led by head coach John Beilein, the team quickly made a name for itself, winning the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) District 31 Championship in 1955. This was just the beginning of the Dolphins' success on the court.
In 1965, the men's basketball team jumped to NCAA Division II and joined the Upstate New York Conference. The Dolphins continued to dominate, winning the conference championship in their first year and making it to the NCAA Division II tournament. This success continued throughout the 1970s, with the team winning five conference championships and making it to the NCAA tournament six times.
The 1980s saw the Le Moyne Dolphins sports program expand with the addition of women's sports teams. The women's basketball team made an immediate impact, winning the conference championship in their first year and making it to the NCAA tournament. The women's lacrosse team also debuted in the 1980s and quickly became a powerhouse, winning ten conference championships and making it to the NCAA tournament 13 times.
The 1990s brought even more success for the Dolphins, with the men's basketball team winning four conference championships and making it to the NCAA tournament six times. The women's basketball team also continued their dominance, winning eight conference championships and making it to the NCAA tournament 11 times.
In 2000, the Le Moyne Dolphins sports program joined the Northeast-10 Conference, one of the most competitive conferences in Division II. Despite the tough competition, the Dolphins have continued to excel in all sports. In 2006, the men's basketball team made it to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, the furthest the team has ever advanced in the tournament.
The 2010s have been a decade of continued success for the Dolphins, with the men's basketball team winning the Northeast-10 Conference championship in 2013 and 2017. The women's lacrosse team has continued dominating, winning four consecutive conference championships.
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