Saint Joseph's Hawks

Saint Joseph's Hawks
Name	Saint Joseph's Hawks
University	Saint Joseph's University
Conference	Atlantic 10 Conference
Division	NCAA Division I
Director	Jill Bodensteiner
Location	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Arena	Hagan Arena
Stadium	Sweeney Field
Mascot	The Hawk
Nickname	Hawks
Colors	Crimson and Gray

Saint Joseph's Hawks. The athletic teams representing Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, competing primarily in the Atlantic 10 Conference at the NCAA Division I level. Known for a storied men's basketball program and the unique tradition of their mascot, the institution fields 20 varsity teams. The Hawks have built a reputation for competitive success and fostering professional athletes across multiple sports.

History

The athletic identity traces its origins to the early 20th century following the university's founding by the Society of Jesus. Early teams competed as independents and within various Philadelphia-based conferences before joining the Mid-Atlantic Conference in 1975. A pivotal shift occurred in 1982 with entry into the Atlantic 10 Conference, marking a new era of heightened competition. Key historical moments include the 1961 National Invitation Tournament championship in men's basketball and the advancement of the women's basketball program to the NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament in the 1990s. The department has been guided by influential figures like longtime athletic director Don DiJulia and current vice president Jill Bodensteiner.

Athletic programs

The department sponsors 10 men's and 10 women's varsity programs. The flagship men's basketball team has made numerous appearances in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, including an Elite Eight run in 2004. The women's basketball program has also achieved consistent success with multiple Atlantic 10 Conference championships. Other notable teams include baseball, which has produced several Major League Baseball draftees, and men's soccer, which competes in the Philadelphia Soccer Six. The women's field hockey and women's rowing teams regularly contend for conference titles, while the men's golf and women's tennis programs have seen individual competitors advance to NCAA regional tournaments.

Notable athletes and coaches

The basketball program has produced numerous professional players, including Jameer Nelson, DeAndre' Bembry, and Delonte West, all of whom were selected in the NBA draft. Legendary coach Phil Martelli led the program for 24 seasons, earning Naismith College Coach of the Year honors. Baseball alumnus John McAdams reached Major League Baseball, while soccer player Jeff Parke enjoyed a lengthy career in Major League Soccer. Women's basketball standouts like Natasha Cloud and Cindy Griffin have made significant impacts professionally and as a coach, respectively. Track and field athlete Katelyn Jackson qualified for the United States Olympic Trials.

Rivalries

The most intense rivalry is with the Villanova Wildcats, known as the Holy War, a fierce Philadelphia competition rooted in geographic proximity and Big 5 history. The annual men's basketball game against the Temple Owls is another cornerstone of the Philadelphia Big 5 round-robin. Within the Atlantic 10 Conference, a strong competitive rivalry exists with the Dayton Flyers, particularly in basketball. The baseball and soccer teams maintain local rivalries with other Philadelphia institutions like the La Salle Explorers and the Drexel Dragons.

Facilities

The primary basketball and volleyball venue is the on-campus Hagan Arena, a 4,200-seat facility that underwent a major renovation in 2009. The baseball team plays at Smithson Field, while Sweeney Field hosts field hockey, lacrosse, and soccer. The Athletics Center houses the O'Pake Recreation Center and the Michael J. Hagan '85 Arena. Training and practice needs are met by the Rashford Strength and Conditioning Center and the Finnesey Field complex. The women's rowing team utilizes the Boathouse Row facilities along the Schuylkill River.

Traditions

The most iconic tradition is The Hawk, a mascot that flaps its wings continuously during every athletic contest, symbolizing the motto "The Hawk Will Never Die." This performance has been recognized by ESPN and featured at events like the NCAA Final Four. Before home basketball games, the team is introduced by running onto the court through a cloud of fog. The Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse, the program's former home, remains a revered site in institutional history. The annual Hawk Hill Hardwood Classic is a marquee non-conference basketball event, and senior student-athletes are honored during a dedicated ceremony before their final home contest.

Category:Saint Joseph's University Category:Atlantic 10 Conference Category:NCAA Division I Category:Sports in Philadelphia