The school's sports teams are called the Hoyas. Many years ago, students well-versed in the classical languages invented the
mixed Greek and Latin chant of
"Hoya Saxa," translating roughly as "What Rocks," in reference to both the stalwart defense of the football team and the stone
wall that surrounded the campus. ('Hoia' is Greek for 'what' or 'what a,' and 'saxa' is Latin for 'rocks.')When The Hoya newspaper was founded in 1920, the sports teams were called the Hilltoppers. Writers for the school newspaper
began calling the teams the Hoyas. Local press covering Georgetown picked up on the new name and eventually the athletic
department officially adopted the name as well.The mascot is a bulldog named Jack. The teams participate in the NCAA's Division I. Most sports teams compete in the Big East Conference, though the football team competes in the Division I-AA Patriot
League.Intercollegiate men's sports include baseball, basketball, crew, football,
golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and diving,
tennis and track and field.
Intercollegiate women's sports include basketball, crew, field hockey, golf,
lacrosse, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. There is also a co-ed sailing
team.The Men's Basketball team won the NCAA championship in 1984.