Amanda Knapp
Old Dominion University (ODU) has a rich history in college basketball, with the women's basketball team winning three national championships and the men's basketball team enjoying success in various conferences. As of 2022, ODU has joined the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) in all sports offered, including men's and women's basketball. This move brings ODU back to the Sun Belt Conference, which they were a part of from 1982 to 1991, and sets the stage for new rivalries and opportunities within the conference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Basketball Team | Old Dominion Monarchs |
| Year of Joining Sun Belt Conference | 2022 |
| Previous Conference | Conference USA (C-USA) |
| Previous to C-USA | Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) |
| Current Conference Membership | 14 members |
| Sports Offered by the Conference | Baseball, men's basketball, football, men's golf, men's tennis, women's basketball, women's golf, women's soccer, women's tennis, and volleyball |
| Sports ODU Competes in Outside the Conference | Field Hockey (BIG EAST), Rowing and Lacrosse (American Athletic Conference) |
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What You'll Learn
ODU's previous conferences
Old Dominion University's (ODU) basketball team has been part of several conferences over the years.
From 1982 to 1991, ODU was a member of the Sun Belt Conference, where its basketball team enjoyed success. The men's basketball team won Sun Belt regular-season titles in 1983 and 1986, and the women's basketball squad secured five Sun Belt titles. During its time in the Sun Belt Conference, ODU also witnessed success in other sports, including men's soccer and baseball.
Following its stint in the Sun Belt Conference, ODU joined the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in 1992, where it thrived. The women's basketball team dominated with 17 straight conference titles from 1992 to 2009, while the men's basketball team secured six championships. ODU also excelled in field hockey during its time in the CAA.
In 2013, ODU transitioned to Conference USA (C-USA), marking another change in its athletic conference affiliation. While in C-USA, ODU continued its winning ways, capturing championships in various sports. The men's basketball team won the conference championship in 2019, adding to the school's athletic accomplishments.
Most recently, in 2022, ODU returned to the Sun Belt Conference, rejoining the league after three decades. This move expanded the opportunities for the university's athletic programs, including basketball.
Throughout its history, ODU has demonstrated a commitment to athletic excellence, adapting to different conferences and achieving success in various sports, with basketball being a prominent and successful fixture of its athletic programs.
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ODU's Sun Belt Conference rivals
Old Dominion University (ODU) joined the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) in 2022. The SBC is an intercollegiate athletic league that has earned national acclaim. ODU's Sun Belt Conference rivals include:
Appalachian State
Nicknamed the Mountaineers, Appalachian State University is located in Boone, North Carolina, 350 miles from Norfolk. Notable former student-athletes include Armanti Edwards, John Settle, and Charlotte Flair.
Arkansas State
Arkansas State University, nicknamed the Red Wolves, is located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, 990 miles from Norfolk. Notable former student-athletes include J.D. McKissic, Earl Bell, and Demario Davis.
Coastal Carolina
Coastal Carolina University, nicknamed the Chanticleers, is located in Conway, South Carolina, 326 miles from Norfolk. Notable former student-athletes include Dustin Johnson, Josh Norman, and Tommy La Stella.
Georgia Southern
Georgia Southern University, nicknamed the Eagles, is located in Statesboro, Georgia.
James Madison University
James Madison University (JMU) is an in-state rival of ODU, based in Virginia. The rivalry between the two schools is intense, with ODU Head Football Coach Ricky Rahne describing it as "bordering on hate". The two schools compete for an all-sports trophy, including football, drawing inspiration from the royal themes of their mascots.
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ODU's basketball achievements
The Old Dominion University (ODU) men's basketball team has enjoyed notable success over the years, with several achievements that have contributed to its proud basketball tradition. Here is a detailed overview of some of ODU's significant basketball accomplishments:
ODU Men's Basketball Achievements:
ODU's men's basketball team, known as the Monarchs, has represented Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, in NCAA Division I men's competitions. The team has a long history, dating back to its founding in 1930, and has accumulated an impressive number of wins.
One of their most notable achievements was winning the NCAA Division II national championship in 1975 under the leadership of Coach Sonny Allen. This victory cemented their place as national champions, and they continue to build on this success.
The Monarchs have also excelled in various tournaments. They were champions of the inaugural CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament in 2009 and claimed victory in the first and only Vegas 16 tournament in 2016. Their success in these tournaments showcases their ability to perform on a big stage.
Additionally, the Monarchs have had success in conference championships. They won the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) title, advancing to the second round of the NIT in 1993 and 1994 under the guidance of former captain Oliver Purnell. During their time in Conference USA (C-USA), the Monarchs added another men's basketball championship in 2019 to their collection.
ODU Women's Basketball Achievements:
The ODU women's basketball team, known as the Lady Monarchs, has also achieved remarkable success. Under the leadership of coach Marianne Stanley, the Lady Monarchs won back-to-back AIAW national basketball championships in 1979 and 1980, showcasing their dominance during that period.
The Lady Monarchs continued their winning ways under coach Wendy Larry, who took over in 1987. During her tenure, the team won an impressive 14 consecutive conference titles from 1992 to 2005 and participated in 17 NCAA tournaments. This consistent success solidified ODU's reputation as a force to be reckoned with in women's college basketball.
In March 1985, the Lady Monarchs defeated Georgia to claim the NCAA championship, marking the program's third national title. This triumph was followed by a visit to the White House, where they received personal congratulations from President Ronald Reagan.
ODU's basketball teams, both men's and women's, have a rich history of achievements, with numerous conference and national titles to their name. Their success has helped establish Old Dominion University as a prominent force in collegiate basketball.
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ODU's other sports
Old Dominion University (ODU) joined the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) in 2022, competing in the SBC in the 2022-23 season. ODU participates in all sports offered by the conference, including baseball, men's and women's basketball, football, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's golf, men's and women's tennis, and volleyball. The school also has teams in sports such as field hockey, rowing, lacrosse, and equestrian.
ODU has enjoyed athletic success in multiple sports over the years. Before joining the Sun Belt Conference, ODU was a member of the Colonial Athletic Association, where they won 51 conference crowns. This included 17 consecutive women's basketball titles from 1992 to 2009, 15 field hockey crowns, and six men's basketball championships. During their time in the Sun Belt Conference from 1982 to 1991, ODU also found success in a wide range of sports. After joining Conference USA in 2013, ODU won nine team conference championships, including titles in men's soccer, women's golf, men's tennis, men's basketball, women's soccer, women's tennis, and baseball.
ODU offers a diverse range of sports programs and facilities to promote healthy and active lifestyles within its community. The university provides opportunities for both competitive athletes and those who enjoy recreational physical activity. ODU's Recreation and Wellness department offers intramural sports, club sports, esports, fitness classes, and personal training options. The university has 16 active sport clubs serving over 700 students, with teams in sports such as soccer, equestrian, and ice hockey. These clubs vary in their level of competition and commitment, with some practicing several days a week and competing regularly, while others have a more flexible schedule.
ODU students can also support their fellow Monarchs by attending sporting events and cheering on the teams. Student tickets are available for 16 intercollegiate sports, and ODU often hosts campus events, including sports games, concerts, and lectures, fostering a sense of community and engagement. The university's athletic teams are known as the Monarchs, and their colours are navy and white, as seen in their football and basketball team merchandise.
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ODU's history in football
Old Dominion University (ODU) has a rich history in football. The Norfolk Division Football Team at ODU was established in 1930 and played for 11 seasons from 1930 to 1940, with a record of 42-36-4. The team's 1932 season was particularly successful, with a 9-1 record. However, the football program was discontinued in 1940 due to various reasons, including a rule against freshman players, accreditation issues, and a $10,000 debt.
In 2007, ODU reinstated its football program, and Bobby Wilder was selected as the head coach. Under Wilder's leadership, the Monarchs had a successful inaugural season in 2009, finishing the year ranked in the top ten in five FCS statistical categories. ODU also sold out all of their home games in the 19,782-seat Foreman Field, demonstrating strong fan support.
ODU began its transition to the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) at the conclusion of the 2012 season. The Monarchs spent 2013 as an FCS independent team and joined Conference USA (C-USA) in 2014, where they enjoyed success across various sports. In 2016, the ODU football team won the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl, their first bowl win. In 2018, ODU beat Virginia Tech 49-35 at Foreman Field, achieving the biggest upset in ODU history.
In 2019, Ricky Rahne took over as head coach after Wilder's resignation. Rahne's first full season in 2021 saw ODU become bowl-eligible for the second time in program history, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, ODU rejoined the Sun Belt Conference, a league they had previously been a part of from 1982 to 1991. The 2022 season saw some big changes, including the resignation of offensive coordinator Dave Patenaude just before the season opener. Despite this, ODU started the season with an upset win over Virginia Tech.
ODU football continues to build on its history, with notable players like Colton Joseph, who led the team's quick-strike offense in recent games. The Monarchs have shown resilience and a fighting spirit, and their history in football reflects a program that has overcome challenges and celebrated successes throughout the years.
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Frequently asked questions
ODU, or Old Dominion University, joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2022.
The Sun Belt Conference includes Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Louisiana, ULM, South Alabama, Texas State, and Troy.
ODU was a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) from 1992 until 2013, when it joined Conference USA (C-USA). Before that, ODU was part of the Sun Belt Conference from 1982 to 1991.
Yes, the ODU men's basketball team won Sun Belt regular-season titles in 1983 and 1986 and went to the NCAA tournament three times. The women's basketball team won five Sun Belt titles and went to eight NCAA tournaments, winning the NCAA Division I National Championship in 1985. In the CAA, the women's basketball team won 17 straight titles from 1992 to 2009, while the men's team won six conference championships.
