UConn Huskies facts for kids
Quick facts for kids UConn Huskies |
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| University | University of Connecticut |
| Conference | Big East Conference (primary) Hockey East Independent (football) CAA (women's rowing) |
| NCAA | Division I (FBS) |
| Athletic director | David Benedict |
| Varsity teams | 24 (11 men's and 13 women's, 8 men's and 12 women's in 2021) |
| Football stadium | Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field |
| Basketball arena | Gampel Pavilion XL Center |
| Ice hockey arena | Toscano Family Ice Forum |
| Baseball stadium | Elliot Ballpark |
| Soccer stadium | Morrone Stadium |
| Mascot | Jonathan the Husky |
| Nickname | Huskies |
| Fight song | "UConn Husky" |
| Colors | National Flag Blue and White |
The UConn Huskies are the sports teams that represent the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut. They are part of the NCAA's top level, NCAA Division I. Most UConn teams compete in the Big East Conference. The football team plays at Rentschler Field. The men's and women's basketball teams play at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on campus and at the XL Center in Hartford.
UConn Huskies History
Why "Huskies"?
The University of Connecticut's teams are called the "Huskies." This name was chosen in 1934 after students voted for it. Before that, the teams were known as the "Aggies." The name "Huskies" was picked when the school changed its name from Connecticut Agricultural College to Connecticut State College.
The name "UConn" became official in 2013. It sounds a bit like "Yukon," where real Huskies come from!
Joining the Big Conferences
UConn teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of their sports are in the Big East Conference. However, the football and ice hockey teams play in different conferences.
The Huskies helped start the original Big East Conference in 1979. They left for a while to join the American Athletic Conference in 2013. But in 2020, UConn came back to the "new" Big East Conference. This reunited them with many old rivals. The football team now plays as an independent team, meaning they are not part of a conference.
Sports Teams at UConn
UConn has many exciting sports teams. Here's a look at some of them:
Baseball
The UConn baseball team plays its home games at Elliot Ballpark. In 2010, the team had a record-breaking year with 48 wins. They finished the season ranked among the top teams in the country.
In 2011, the Huskies made it to their first "Super Regional" in program history. They even beat a strong team, Clemson, to get there! In 2013, UConn baseball made history again. They became the first 8th-seeded team to win the Big East Tournament. They beat top teams like Louisville and Notre Dame to claim the championship.
Men's Basketball
UConn men's basketball has a rich history. They won many championships in the Yankee Conference. In 1979, UConn helped start the Big East Conference, which was known for its strong basketball teams.
In 1988, the team won its first national basketball title, the NIT. The 1990 season was called the "Dream Season." UConn won the Big East regular season and tournament championships for the first time. They also moved into their new home, Gampel Pavilion. In the NCAA Tournament, they made a famous play known as "The Shot."
UConn became a national basketball powerhouse in the 1990s. They finally reached the Final Four in 1999. They went on to win their first NCAA National Championship, beating Duke in a thrilling game!
The Huskies won another championship in 2004. Led by stars like Ben Gordon and Emeka Okafor, they defeated Georgia Tech in the final. In 2011, led by Kemba Walker, UConn won the Big East Tournament and then their third National Championship.
In 2014, UConn made history again. They became the first #7 seed to win the NCAA Championship! They beat many top teams, including Kentucky in the final game.
Women's Basketball
UConn women's basketball is one of the best programs in the country. Coach Geno Auriemma has led them to many national titles.
The Huskies had a famous rivalry with the University of Tennessee. They played each other many times in the NCAA Tournament, including four times in the championship game. UConn won all four of those championship matchups!
Many amazing players have come from UConn. These include Rebecca Lobo, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Maya Moore. Many of them went on to play professionally in the WNBA. In 2002, UConn made history when four of its players were drafted in the top 10 of the WNBA Draft.
In 2004, UConn became the second school ever to win both the men's and women's NCAA basketball titles in the same season. They did it again in 2014! They were also the first school to have both teams ranked #1 at the same time.
In 2009, the UConn women's team had a perfect season, winning every game and the national championship. They won every game by 10 points or more! They repeated this in 2010, becoming the first back-to-back undefeated National Champions. They also set a national record with 90 consecutive wins!
Many UConn women's basketball players have become coaches. This shows how much talent and leadership comes from the program.
Football
UConn football started way back in 1896. They had an undefeated season in 1924. Some players from that team even went on to play in the NFL!
UConn football reached the top level of college football (Division I-A) in 2000. They quickly became successful, even playing in a "Bowl Championship Series" conference just two years later. In 2004, they won their first bowl game, the Motor City Bowl.
In 2007, the Huskies had their best year with a 9–3 record. They earned a spot in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. In 2010, they won the PapaJohns.com Bowl. The next year, they made it to a major bowl game, the Fiesta Bowl!
Field Hockey
UConn's field hockey team is very successful. They have won five NCAA National Championships: in 1981, 1985, 2013, 2014, and 2017. They have also won many Big East Regular Season and Tournament Championships. The team has made it to the "Final Four" of the NCAA Tournament 15 times!
Men's Ice Hockey
UConn's men's ice hockey team joined the Hockey East conference in 2014. This was a big step up for the program. They often play their home games at the XL Center in Hartford.
A new on-campus arena, the UConn Hockey Arena, opened for the 2023–24 season. Both the men's and women's teams now play there.
Men's Soccer
UConn is also famous for its championship soccer teams. The men's team has won two NCAA national championships, in 1981 and 2000. The 1948 team was also named national champion.
UConn men's soccer is known for having great fan support. They often lead the nation in attendance for their games. Many UConn soccer players have gone on to play in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Women's Soccer
The UConn women's soccer team has also been very successful. They have made 28 NCAA Tournament appearances. They have played in the NCAA Championship Game four times, in 1984, 1990, 1997, and 2003. They have also won many Big East Regular Season and Tournament Championships.
Softball
The UConn softball team plays at the Connecticut Softball Stadium. They had a great year in 1993 with 45 victories. That year, they also made it to the Women's College World Series! They have won many Big East Regular Season and Tournament Championships over the years.
Championships
NCAA Team Championships
UConn has won many national championships across different sports. They have 23 NCAA team national championships!
- Men's Teams (7)
* Basketball (5): 1999, 2004, 2011, 2014, 2023 * Soccer (2): 1981, 2000
- Women's Teams (16)
* Basketball (11): 1995, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 * Field Hockey (5): 1981, 1985, 2013, 2014, 2017
Other National Team Championships
UConn has also won other national titles not given by the NCAA:
- Men's Soccer (1948)
- Women's Rugby (1993)
Facilities
UConn has great places for its athletes to train and compete:
- Harry A. Gampel Pavilion: The main home for basketball on the Storrs campus.
- XL Center: A second home for basketball and the primary venue for men's hockey until the new on-campus arena opened.
- Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field: Where the football team plays its home games.
- Joseph J. Morrone Stadium: Home for men's and women's soccer and lacrosse.
- Elliot Ballpark: The home field for baseball.
- Burton Family Football Complex: The on-campus home for UConn football.
- Mark R. Shenkman Training Center: A large indoor training complex for football, with a huge playing surface and strength area.
Pageantry
- Mascot: Jonathan the Husky
- Team Gear: Made by Nike
- Marching Band: The University of Connecticut Marching Band, known as "The Pride of Connecticut"
- Fight Songs: "UConn Husky" and "Fight On Connecticut"
See also
In Spanish: UConn Huskies para niños
