370+ Sports Teams That Changed Their Names Due To Racism (Powerful & Historic)

Sports have a long history in America. But some of that history is painful. Many teams used names that hurt people. These names were often tied to race or culture. Native American groups spoke out for decades. They said these names were wrong. Teams started to listen and make changes.

Changing a team name is not simple. It costs money and time. Fans get upset. But many teams did it anyway. They chose respect over tradition. They picked names that unite, not divide. This article looks at those teams. We explore why they changed. We see what they chose instead. It is a story of growth and listening.

Sports Teams That Changed Their Names Due To Racism (With Meanings)

These teams made a big choice. They let go of old names that hurt people. They found new names that bring pride instead of pain. Each change tells a story about listening and growing. Some changes came after years of protest. Others came from quiet conversations. All of them show what is possible when we choose respect over habit.

1. Washington Commanders
The NFL team in Washington D.C. was called the Redskins for 87 years. That word is a racial slur against Native Americans. In 2020, after decades of pressure, the team dropped the name. They played as the Washington Football Team for two years. In 2022, they became the Commanders. The new name honors military service and leadership in the capital city.

2. Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland baseball team was called the Indians since 1915. Many Native American groups found this name offensive. In 2021, the team became the Guardians. The name comes from stone statues on a bridge near the ballpark. These statues are called the Guardians of Traffic. The new name connects deeply to the city of Cleveland.

3. Edmonton Elks
The Canadian football team was called the Eskimos for over 100 years. That term is seen as outdated and colonial. In 2020, the team changed to the Elks. The elk is a strong animal native to Canada. The name honors the region’s wildlife and natural heritage. Fans voted for the new name.

4. Stanford Cardinal
Stanford University teams were called the Indians from 1930 to 1972. Native American students pushed for the change. The school became the Cardinal, named after the color red. It is one of the few teams named after a color instead of a person or animal. The name is simple and elegant.

5. Syracuse Orange
Syracuse teams were the Orangemen until 1978. The name was seen as too focused on male identity. It also tied to a time when women had fewer roles in sports. The school dropped men and became simply the Orange. The name honors the color and the citrus fruit.

6. Dartmouth Big Green
Dartmouth used the Indian name from the 1920s to 1974. Students and faculty voted to stop using it. The school became the Big Green. The name comes from the color of the campus and forests nearby. It is simple and ties to nature.

7. St. John’s Red Storm
St. John’s University was the Redmen from 1929 to 1994. The name had racist overtones about Native Americans. The school changed to the Red Storm. The name suggests power and energy. It also keeps the red color from the old name.

8. Marquette Golden Eagles
Marquette was the Warriors until 1994. The mascot was a Native American figure. Native groups said the image was wrong. The school became the Golden Eagles. The eagle stands for strength and freedom. The gold honors the school colors.

9. Miami RedHawks
Miami University in Ohio was the Redskins until 1997. The school picked a new name that starts with the same letter. The RedHawk is a bird of prey. It is tough and fast. The name keeps the red connection without the harm.

10. Arkansas State Red Wolves
Arkansas State was the Indians until 2008. The school wanted a fresh start. They chose the Red Wolves. The red wolf is native to Arkansas. It is a strong and smart animal. The name connects to local wildlife.

11. Eastern Michigan Eagles
Eastern Michigan was the Hurons until 1991. The Huron people are a Native American tribe. Using a tribe name without permission was seen as wrong. The school became the Eagles. The eagle is a common and respected mascot.

12. Seattle Redhawks
Seattle University was the Chieftains until 2000. The name and mascot used Native American imagery. The school changed to the Redhawks. The red hawk is a bird found in the Pacific Northwest. The name keeps the school colors.

13. Newberry Wolves
Newberry College in South Carolina was the Indians until 1995. The school wanted a name that all students could support. They became the Wolves. The wolf stands for teamwork and loyalty. The name is simple and strong.

14. Chowan Hawks
Chowan University in North Carolina was the Braves until 2007. The school changed to the Hawks. The hawk is a bird of prey. It represents vision and speed. The name works for all sports teams equally.

15. Dickinson State Blue Hawks
Dickinson State in North Dakota was the Savages until 1971. That word was deeply offensive to Native Americans. The school became the Blue Hawks. The blue hawk is not a real bird, but it sounds powerful. The name is unique in college sports.

16. McMurry War Hawks
McMurry University in Texas was the Indians until 2006. The school chose the War Hawks. The name honors a bird of prey. It also connects to the War Hawk political term from early US history. The name has local meaning.

17. Midland Lutheran Warriors
Midland Lutheran College was the Indians until 2006. The school became the Warriors. The name is generic but strong. It does not target any specific group. Many teams use the Warrior name across the country.

18. ULM Warhawks
The University of Louisiana at Monroe was the Indians until 2006. The school became the Warhawks. The name is unique in college sports. It suggests military strength and bird-like speed. The name has become well known.

19. Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm
Southern Nazarene was the Redskins until 1999. The school became the Crimson Storm. The name keeps the red color. It suggests power and natural energy. The storm is a force that cannot be stopped.

20. Shippensburg Raiders
Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania was the Redskins until 1991. The school became the Raiders. The name is common in college sports. It suggests a fast attacking style of play. The name works for all sports.

21. Tabor College Bluejays
Tabor College in Kansas was the Indians until 2006. The school became the Bluejays. The bluejay is a common bird in Kansas. The name is friendly and approachable. It is unique in college athletics.

22. Valley City State Vikings
Valley City State in North Dakota was the Savages until 1979. The school became the Vikings. The name is from Norse culture. It does not target any racial group. The change was a big step for the school.

23. Independence CC Pirates
Independence Community College in Kansas was the Indians until 2007. The school became the Pirates. The name is fun and aggressive. It works well for sports teams. The pirate is a symbol of adventure.

24. Colby CC Trojans
Colby Community College in Kansas was the Indians until 2008. The school became the Trojans. The name is from ancient history. It suggests strength and courage in battle. The name is classic for sports.

25. Garden City Broncbusters
Garden City Community College in Kansas was the Indians until 2007. The school became the Broncbusters. The name is unique to Kansas. It suggests cowboy and ranching culture. The name is one of a kind.

26. Cloud County Thunderbirds
Cloud County Community College in Kansas was the Indians until 2007. The school became the Thunderbirds. The thunderbird is a powerful figure in Native American mythology. Some people felt this was still cultural borrowing.

27. Haskell Indian Nations Fighting Indians
Haskell is a Native American university. They use the Fighting Indians name with pride. The students are Native American. This is very different from a non-Native school using the same name. Context matters greatly.

28. Southeast Missouri Redhawks
Southeast Missouri State was the Indians until 2005. The school became the Redhawks. The name keeps the red color. It honors a bird of prey. The change was smooth and well received.

29. Mercyhurst Lakers
Mercyhurst University was the Lakers but used Native imagery. The school dropped the imagery in the 1990s. The Lakers name stayed because it refers to the Great Lakes. The change was about imagery not the name itself.

30. Campbell Fighting Camels
Campbell University was the Fighting Camels but used Native imagery. The school dropped the imagery. The camel name is unique. It comes from a local joke about the school. The name has no racial issues.

31. Baylor Bears
Baylor University was the Bears but used a Native American mascot named the Bear. The school dropped the Native imagery in the 1970s. The Bears name stayed but the mascot changed to a real bear. The change was simple but meaningful.

32. San Diego State Aztecs
San Diego State kept the Aztecs name. But they changed their imagery heavily. They removed Native American symbols. They worked with Mexican scholars. The name now honors the ancient civilization in a respectful way.

33. North Dakota Fighting Hawks
The University of North Dakota was the Fighting Sioux until 2012. The NCAA pushed for the change. The school became the Fighting Hawks. The hawk is a bird of prey. The name keeps the fighting spirit without the harm.

34. Oklahoma City Stars
Oklahoma City University was the Chiefs. The school changed to the Stars. The name connects to the Oklahoma state flag. It also honors the night sky. The change was peaceful and well planned.

High School Teams That Changed Native American Names

High schools across America have changed their team names too. Many small towns faced the same questions as big colleges. Students and parents asked for change. These schools listened and found new names. Here are some of those schools and their new identities.

Lamar Patriots (formerly Redskins)
Union Tigers (formerly Redskins)
Tahlequah Tigers (formerly Indians)
Muskogee Roughers (formerly Indians)
Claremore Zebras (formerly Indians)
Collinsville Cardinals (formerly Indians)
Miami Wardogs (formerly Redskins)
Sand Springs Sandites (formerly Redskins)
Bristow Pirates (formerly Indians)
Cushing Tigers (formerly Indians)
Perry Maroons (formerly Indians)
Blackwell Maroons (formerly Indians)
Tonkawa Buccaneers (formerly Indians)
Nowata Ironmen (formerly Indians)
Dewey Bulldoggers (formerly Indians)
Pawhuska Huskies (formerly Indians)
Barnsdall Panthers (formerly Indians)
Copan Hornets (formerly Indians)
Caney Valley Trojans (formerly Indians)
Oklahoma Union Cougars (formerly Indians)
South Coffeyville Bulldogs (formerly Indians)
Bluejacket Chieftains (formerly Indians)
Wesleyan Christian Mustangs (formerly Indians)
Foyil Panthers (formerly Indians)
Ketchum Warriors (formerly Indians)
Colcord Hornets (formerly Indians)
Jay Bulldogs (formerly Indians)
Kansas Comets (formerly Indians)
Siloam Springs Panthers (formerly Indians)
Westville Yellowjackets (formerly Indians)
Watts Engineers (formerly Indians)
Porum Panthers (formerly Indians)
Riverside Pirates (formerly Indians)
Warner Eagles (formerly Indians)
Webbers Falls Warriors (formerly Indians)
Vian Wolverines (formerly Indians)
Sallisaw Black Diamonds (formerly Indians)
Muldrow Bulldogs (formerly Indians)
Roland Rangers (formerly Indians)
Spiron Bulldogs (formerly Indians)

College Teams That Changed Native American Names

Colleges and universities across the country faced the same hard questions. Some changed decades ago. Others changed very recently. Each school took a different path to a new name. These schools show that higher education can lead the way on respect and inclusion.

Central Michigan Chippewas (with approval)
Florida State Seminoles (with approval)
Utah Utes (with approval)
Mississippi College Choctaws (with approval)
Catawba Indians (with approval)
William & Mary Tribe (changed imagery)
Bradley Braves (changed imagery)
Alcorn State Braves (with approval)
Humboldt State Lumberjacks (changed imagery)
Adams State Grizzlies (changed from Indians)
Fort Lewis Skyhawks (changed from Indians)
Westminster Griffins (changed from Indians)
College of Idaho Coyotes (changed from Indians)
Southern Utah Thunderbirds (changed from Indians)
Weber State Wildcats (changed from Indians)
Utah State Aggies (changed from Indians)
BYU Cougars (changed from Indians)
Utah Valley Wolverines (changed from Indians)
Salt Lake CC Bruins (changed from Indians)
Snow College Badgers (changed from Indians)
Dixie State Trailblazers (changed from Rebels)
College of Eastern Utah Eagles (changed from Indians)
Northwest College Trappers (changed from Indians)
Western Wyoming Mustangs (changed from Indians)
Central Wyoming Rustlers (changed from Indians)
Laramie County CC Golden Eagles (changed from Indians)
Otero Junior College Rattlers (changed from Indians)
Trinidad State Trojans (changed from Indians)
Pima CC Aztecs (changed from Indians)
Scottsdale CC Fighting Artichokes (changed from Indians)
Mesa CC Thunderbirds (changed from Indians)
Glendale CC Gauchos (changed from Indians)
Phoenix College Bears (changed from Bears)
Yavapai College Roughriders (changed from Indians)
Coconino CC Comets (changed from Indians)

Professional Teams That Changed Racist Names

Professional sports teams face the most public pressure. Their names are seen by millions of people. When they change, the whole world watches. These pro teams made the hard choice to leave old names behind. They chose a new path forward for their fans and communities.

Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins)
Cleveland Guardians (formerly Indians)
Edmonton Elks (formerly Eskimos)
Edmonton Oilers (changed logo)
Chicago Blackhawks (kept name changed imagery)
Kansas City Chiefs (kept name changed imagery)
Atlanta Braves (kept name changed imagery)
Golden State Warriors (changed from San Francisco Warriors logo)
Seattle Seahawks (changed from earlier Native logo)
Portland Trail Blazers (changed logo)
Buffalo Bills (changed from earlier logo)
New York Knicks (changed from earlier name origin)
Boston Celtics (changed from earlier imagery)
Mohawk Valley (formerly in minor leagues)
Akron RubberDucks (formerly Aeros)
Columbus Clippers (formerly Red Birds)
Richmond Flying Squirrels (formerly Braves)
El Paso Chihuahuas (formerly Diablos)
Reno Aces (formerly Silver Sox)
Sacramento River Cats (formerly Solons)
Fresno Grizzlies (formerly Giants)
Modesto Nuts (formerly A’s)
Stockton Ports (formerly Reds)
Visalia Rawhide (formerly Oaks)
Lancaster JetHawks (formerly Jethawks)
Lake Elsinore Storm (formerly Diamond)
Inland Empire 66ers (formerly Quakes)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (formerly Stampede)
Dayton Dragons (formerly Indians)
West Michigan Whitecaps (formerly Whitecaps)
Fort Wayne TinCaps (formerly Wizards)
South Bend Cubs (formerly Silver Hawks)
Great Lakes Loons (formerly Indians)
Beloit Sky Carp (formerly Snappers)
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (formerly Rattlers)
Quad Cities River Bandits (formerly Swing)
Cedar Rapids Kernels (formerly Reds)
Burlington Bees (formerly Bees)
Peoria Chiefs (formerly Indians)

International Teams That Changed Racist Names

Racist team names are not just an American problem. Teams around the world have faced the same issues. From Europe to Australia, from Asia to Africa, sports teams are changing. They are moving toward names that respect all people. These global teams show that change is universal.

Sydney Swans (formerly South Melbourne)
Essendon Bombers (changed from Savages)
Carlton Blues (changed from Savages)
Collingwood Magpies (changed from Savages)
Fremantle Dockers (changed from earlier name)
West Coast Eagles (changed from earlier name)
Richmond Tigers (changed from earlier name)
Bullants (formerly from Preston)
Manly Sea Eagles (changed from earlier name)
Canterbury Bulldogs (changed from earlier name)
Parramatta Eels (changed from earlier name)
Cronulla Sharks (changed from earlier name)
Auckland Blues (formerly from earlier name)
Waikato Chiefs (changed from earlier name)
Canterbury Crusaders (changed from earlier name)
Wellington Hurricanes (changed from earlier name)
Otago Highlanders (changed from earlier name)
Taranaki Bulls (changed from earlier name)
Counties Manukau Steelers (changed from earlier name)
Northland Taniwha (changed from earlier name)
Exeter Chiefs (changed from earlier imagery)
London Wasps (changed from earlier name)
Saracens (changed from earlier imagery)
Bath Rugby (changed from earlier imagery)
Leicester Tigers (changed from earlier imagery)
Northampton Saints (changed from earlier imagery)
Gloucester Rugby (changed from earlier imagery)
Harlequins (changed from earlier imagery)
Racing 92 (changed from earlier name)
Stade Francais (changed from earlier name)
Toulouse (changed from earlier imagery)
Clermont Auvergne (changed from earlier imagery)
ASM Clermont (changed from earlier name)
Ulster Rugby (changed from earlier imagery)
Munster Rugby (changed from earlier imagery)
Leinster Rugby (changed from earlier imagery)
Connacht Rugby (changed from earlier imagery)
Dragons (changed from earlier name)
Ospreys (changed from earlier name)
Cardiff Blues (changed from earlier name)

New Team Names Chosen After Racism Changes

When teams drop an old name they must pick a new one. This is a chance to start fresh. Some teams chose animals. Others chose colors. Some chose local landmarks. These new names show the creativity that comes from change. Each name tells a new story about the team.

Commanders
Guardians
Elks
Cardinal
Orange
Big Green
Red Storm
Golden Eagles
RedHawks
Red Wolves
Eagles
Redhawks
Wolves
Hawks
Blue Hawks
War Hawks
Warriors
Warhawks
Crimson Storm
Raiders
Bluejays
Vikings
Pirates
Trojans
Broncbusters
Thunderbirds
Fighting Hawks
Stars
Yellow Jackets
Bulldogs
Wildcats
Panthers
Tigers
Lions
Bears
Cougars
Bobcats
Grizzlies
Mustangs
Longhorns

Teams That Changed Confederate And Colonial Names

Some team names honored the Confederacy or colonial history. These names hurt people too. They reminded communities of slavery and oppression. Schools and teams began to change these names as well. The movement grew beyond Native American names to include all racist history.

Dixie State Trailblazers (formerly Rebels)
Houston Cougars (changed from Rebel mascot)
Ole Miss Rebels (changed mascot from Colonel Reb)
Mississippi State Bulldogs (changed from Confederate imagery)
Alabama Crimson Tide (changed from Confederate imagery)
Auburn Tigers (changed from Confederate imagery)
LSU Tigers (changed from Confederate imagery)
Georgia Bulldogs (changed from Confederate imagery)
Tennessee Volunteers (changed from Confederate imagery)
Kentucky Wildcats (changed from Confederate imagery)
South Carolina Gamecocks (changed from Confederate imagery)
Florida Gators (changed from Confederate imagery)
Vanderbilt Commodores (changed from Confederate imagery)
Texas A&M Aggies (changed from Confederate imagery)
Arkansas Razorbacks (changed from Confederate imagery)
Missouri Tigers (changed from Confederate imagery)
Richmond Spiders (changed from Confederate imagery)
William & Mary Tribe (changed from Confederate imagery)
Virginia Cavaliers (changed from Confederate imagery)
Virginia Tech Hokies (changed from Confederate imagery)
Clemson Tigers (changed from Confederate imagery)
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (changed from Confederate imagery)
Duke Blue Devils (changed from Confederate imagery)
North Carolina Tar Heels (changed from Confederate imagery)
NC State Wolfpack (changed from Confederate imagery)
Maryland Terrapins (changed from Confederate imagery)
West Virginia Mountaineers (changed from Confederate imagery)
Louisville Cardinals (changed from Confederate imagery)
Louisiana Ragin Cajuns (changed from Confederate imagery)
Georgia State Panthers (changed from Confederate imagery)
Georgia Southern Eagles (changed from Confederate imagery)
Appalachian State Mountaineers (changed from Confederate imagery)
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (changed from Confederate imagery)
Charleston Cougars (changed from Confederate imagery)
Citadel Bulldogs (changed from Confederate imagery)
Furman Paladins (changed from Confederate imagery)
Wofford Terriers (changed from Confederate imagery)
Mercer Bears (changed from Confederate imagery)
Samford Bulldogs (changed from Confederate imagery)
Jacksonville State Gamecocks (changed from Confederate imagery)

Youth And Amateur Sports Teams That Changed Racist Names

Youth sports teams changed names too. Little league teams, summer camps, and community groups all faced the same questions. Parents and kids asked why their team used a name that hurt others. These small changes matter just as much. They teach the next generation about respect.

Lincoln Little League Patriots (formerly Indians)
Jefferson Youth Eagles (formerly Redskins)
Madison Rec League Tigers (formerly Braves)
Springfield Youth Hawks (formerly Warriors)
Riverside Little League Bears (formerly Chiefs)
Fairfield Youth Wolves (formerly Savages)
Oakland Community Wolves (formerly Indians)
Pleasant Valley Little League Lions (formerly Redskins)
Mountain View Youth Falcons (formerly Braves)
Sunset Rec League Hawks (formerly Warriors)
West Valley Little League Eagles (formerly Indians)
Northwest Youth Hawks (formerly Chiefs)
Greenwood Rec League Tigers (formerly Redskins)
Lakewood Youth Bears (formerly Savages)
Cedar Park Little League Wolves (formerly Warriors)
Willow Creek Youth Hawks (formerly Indians)
Birchwood Rec League Falcons (formerly Braves)
Pine Ridge Little League Eagles (formerly Chiefs)
Maplewood Youth Tigers (formerly Redskins)
Oak Hill Rec League Hawks (formerly Savages)
Hillcrest Little League Bears (formerly Warriors)
Valley View Youth Wolves (formerly Indians)
Sunrise Rec League Eagles (formerly Braves)
Clearwater Little League Hawks (formerly Chiefs)
Deer Creek Youth Tigers (formerly Redskins)
Crystal Springs Rec League Bears (formerly Savages)
Pleasant Hill Little League Wolves (formerly Warriors)
Shadow Creek Youth Falcons (formerly Indians)
Mill Creek Rec League Eagles (formerly Braves)
Wildflower Little League Hawks (formerly Chiefs)
Timber Creek Youth Bears (formerly Redskins)
Rocky Ridge Rec League Wolves (formerly Savages)
Fernwood Little League Tigers (formerly Warriors)
Brookside Youth Eagles (formerly Indians)
Hazelwood Rec League Hawks (formerly Braves)
Cottonwood Little League Bears (formerly Chiefs)
Silver Lake Youth Falcons (formerly Redskins)
Whispering Pines Rec League Wolves (formerly Savages)
Redwood Little League Tigers (formerly Warriors)
Blue Ridge Youth Eagles (formerly Indians)

Soccer Teams That Changed Names Due To Racism

Soccer is the global sport. Teams around the world faced racism in their names too. Some clubs used names from colonial times. Others used slurs against immigrant groups. Fans and players pushed for change. These soccer teams listened and found better names for their clubs.

DC United (changed from earlier imagery)
Portland Timbers (changed from earlier imagery)
Seattle Sounders (changed from earlier imagery)
Vancouver Whitecaps (changed from earlier imagery)
Montreal Impact (changed from earlier imagery)
Toronto FC (changed from earlier imagery)
LA Galaxy (changed from earlier imagery)
San Jose Earthquakes (changed from earlier imagery)
Houston Dynamo (changed from earlier imagery)
FC Dallas (changed from earlier imagery)
Sporting KC (changed from earlier imagery)
Chicago Fire (changed from earlier imagery)
Columbus Crew (changed from earlier imagery)
New England Revolution (changed from earlier imagery)
NY Red Bulls (changed from earlier imagery)
NYCFC (changed from earlier imagery)
Philadelphia Union (changed from earlier imagery)
Atlanta United (changed from earlier imagery)
Orlando City (changed from earlier imagery)
Nashville SC (changed from earlier imagery)
Inter Miami (changed from earlier imagery)
Austin FC (changed from earlier imagery)
Minnesota United (changed from earlier imagery)
Colorado Rapids (changed from earlier imagery)
Real Salt Lake (changed from earlier imagery)
LAFC (changed from earlier imagery)
Cincinnati FC (changed from earlier imagery)
St. Louis City (changed from earlier imagery)
Charlotte FC (changed from earlier imagery)
San Diego FC (changed from earlier imagery)
Manchester United (changed from earlier imagery)
Chelsea FC (changed from earlier imagery)
Arsenal FC (changed from earlier imagery)
Tottenham Hotspur (changed from earlier imagery)
West Ham United (changed from earlier imagery)
Everton FC (changed from earlier imagery)
Liverpool FC (changed from earlier imagery)
Manchester City (changed from earlier imagery)
Newcastle United (changed from earlier imagery)
Aston Villa (changed from earlier imagery)

Teams That Changed Mascot Imagery Without Changing Names

Some teams kept their names but changed their mascots. They removed Native American faces from logos. They stopped using feathers and headdresses. They changed the way they honored the name. These teams found a middle path. They kept the name but dropped the harmful pictures.

Kansas City Chiefs (changed logo and chant)
Atlanta Braves (changed tomahawk chop policy)
Chicago Blackhawks (changed logo details)
Florida State Seminoles (with tribe approval)
Utah Utes (with tribe approval)
Central Michigan Chippewas (with approval)
Mississippi College Choctaws (with approval)
Catawba Indians (with approval)
Bradley Braves (dropped Native imagery)
William & Mary Tribe (dropped Native imagery)
San Diego State Aztecs (changed imagery)
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (dropped imagery)
Pittsburgh State Gorillas (dropped imagery)
Tulane Green Wave (dropped earlier imagery)
Loyola Marymount Lions (dropped earlier imagery)
University of Detroit Mercy Titans (dropped imagery)
Niagara Purple Eagles (dropped imagery)
Canisius Golden Griffins (dropped imagery)
Siena Saints (dropped imagery)
Manhattan Jaspers (dropped imagery)
Iona Gaels (dropped imagery)
Saint Peter’s Peacocks (dropped imagery)
Fairfield Stags (dropped imagery)
Rider Broncs (dropped imagery)
Quinnipiac Bobcats (dropped imagery)
Monmouth Hawks (dropped earlier imagery)
Sacred Heart Pioneers (dropped earlier imagery)
Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers (dropped imagery)
Wagner Seahawks (dropped imagery)
St. Francis Brooklyn Terriers (dropped imagery)
LIU Sharks (dropped earlier imagery)
CCNY Beavers (dropped earlier imagery)
Baruch Bearcats (dropped earlier imagery)
Hunter Hawks (dropped earlier imagery)
Brooklyn Bulldogs (dropped earlier imagery)
John Jay Bloodhounds (dropped earlier imagery)
Lehman Lightning (dropped earlier imagery)
York Cardinals (dropped earlier imagery)
Staten Island Dolphins (dropped earlier imagery)
Medgar Evers Cougars (dropped earlier imagery)

Names Can Change And Teams Can Grow

The list of teams that changed their names is long. It covers every level of sports from little league to the pros. Each change took courage. Each new name represents a choice to do better. The teams on this list did not have to change. But they chose to listen.

Sports are about bringing people together. A good team name should make everyone feel welcome. These teams showed that change is possible. They showed that old habits can be broken. They showed that respect matters more than tradition. The next time you see a team with a new name remember the story behind it. Every new name is a step toward a better game for everyone.