LIU Sharks

LIU Sharks
Name	LIU Sharks
University	Long Island University
Conference	Northeast Conference
Division	NCAA Division I
Location	Brookville, New York; Brooklyn, New York
Firstseason	2019
Stadium	Bethpage Ballpark
Soccerstadium	LIU Soccer Park
Basketballarena	Steinberg Wellness Center; Barclays Center
Baseballfield	LIU Baseball Field
Nickname	Sharks
Colors	Black and Gold

LIU Sharks The LIU Sharks are the intercollegiate athletic teams representing Long Island University, competing primarily in the Northeast Conference of the NCAA Division I. Established in 2019 after the unification of the LIU Brooklyn and LIU Post athletic programs, the Sharks encompass a wide range of men's and women's sports and play home contests across campuses and metropolitan venues in Brooklyn and Brookville, New York. The program emphasizes competitive play against regional peers such as St. Francis Brooklyn and Fairleigh Dickinson University while cultivating national exposure through media events at arenas like Barclays Center and regional tournaments.

History

Long Island University's athletic history traces back to the early 20th century with programs at the Brooklyn campus and the Post campus in Brookville, New York. Following discussions between LIU leadership and athletic directors, the university consolidated its separate Division I and Division II programs into a single Division I identity announced by LIU president and trustees in 2019. The rebrand consolidated men's and women's teams, integrating legacies from historic programs such as the LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds, which had participated in postseason play including appearances in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament and matchups against programs like Kansas Jayhawks and Duke Blue Devils. The consolidation sought to streamline compliance with NCAA rules, centralize recruitment across the NY metropolitan area, and expand scheduling opportunities versus regional rivals like Monmouth Hawks and national opponents such as Villanova Wildcats.

Athletics programs

LIU sponsors a broad slate of intercollegiate teams across fall, winter, and spring seasons. Men's programs include basketball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and track and field. Women's sports include basketball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, and cross country. The program supports emerging sports and club competition, scheduling non-conference matchups against regional institutions such as Rutgers Scarlet Knights, St. John's Red Storm, and Seton Hall Pirates, and participates in conference tournaments with schools like Wagner Seahawks and Sacred Heart Pioneers.

Facilities

Home venues span LIU's Brooklyn and Post campuses and professional arenas. Primary basketball and volleyball games have been staged at the on-campus Steinberg Wellness Center and marquee contests at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Baseball games are held at Bethpage Ballpark in Central Islip, New York and at LIU's own baseball facility, while soccer and lacrosse compete at the LIU Soccer Park and dedicated turf fields in Brookville, New York. Training and performance facilities include weight rooms, performance labs, and sports medicine centers modeled after peer institutions such as University of Connecticut and Syracuse Orange, enabling rehabilitation partnerships with regional hospitals like Northwell Health and NYU Langone Health.

Rivalries and notable games

Regional rivalries grew from historical matchups with St. Francis Brooklyn and inter-conference contests against Fairleigh Dickinson Knights and Monmouth Hawks. Marquee basketball matchups have been played at Barclays Center, drawing comparisons to local rivalry games hosted by St. John's Red Storm and Fordham Rams at metropolitan arenas. Notable NCAA moments include postseason qualification attempts against teams such as Iona Gaels and Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers, and high-profile non-conference games versus nationally ranked opponents like Kansas Jayhawks, producing media coverage alongside events such as the NIT and regional tournaments hosted by Madison Square Garden.

Traditions and school spirit

LIU students and alumni maintain traditions carried over from both campuses, including pregame rallies, school chants, and alumni gatherings during Homecoming and tournament weeks. Spirit organizations collaborate with campus groups and external partners, coordinating appearances at professional venues and community outreach with organizations like Make-A-Wish and Habitat for Humanity. Mascot appearances, giveaways, and themed rivalry weeks evoke the atmosphere found at Northeast Conference contests and echo civic partnerships with the Brooklyn Borough President's office and local cultural institutions.

Notable alumni

Alumni from LIU's combined athletic history include professional athletes, coaches, and sports administrators who progressed to leagues and organizations such as the NBA, MLB, MLS, and coaching positions at NCAA Division I programs. Noted basketball alumni have competed against franchises like the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks and pursued careers with international clubs in leagues such as the EuroLeague and Israel Basketball Premier League. Baseball alumni have appeared in MLB systems affiliated with clubs like the New York Yankees and New York Mets.

Administration and coaching staff

The athletics department is led by an athletic director appointed by LIU's senior administration and overseen by the university provost and president, coordinating compliance with NCAA and conference governance. Coaching staffs across sports feature head coaches, assistant coaches, and support personnel with experience at programs such as Seton Hall Pirates, St. John's Red Storm, Princeton Tigers, and Fordham Rams. Strength and conditioning, sports medicine, and academic support teams collaborate with university offices and external partners to support student-athlete welfare and competitive readiness.

Category:Long Island University athletics