Jesuit Basketball Teams Shine in NCAA Tournaments

OMAHA, Neb. — Six Jesuit universities have made their mark in this year’s NCAA Division I basketball tournaments, with notable representations in both men’s and women’s categories. The Creighton University Bluejays and the Fairfield University Stags are vying for glory on the women’s side, while the Marquette University Golden Eagles, Gonzaga University Bulldogs, Xavier Musketeers, and Creighton Bluejays compete in the men’s bracket.

Creighton University stands out as the only Jesuit institution with teams in both tournaments, an achievement that highlights the school’s commitment to excellence in athletics.

Fr. Daniel Hendrickson, SJ, president of Creighton, shared insights about the significance of Jesuit education and its connection to athletics on the AMDG podcast. He emphasized the camaraderie among Jesuit institutions, expressing a nostalgic wish for the revival of the “Jesuit Brothers Championship Game,” which this year remains elusive as Loyola University Chicago‘s team did not qualify for the tournament.

Gonzaga University, known for its rich basketball tradition led by long-time coach Mark Few, continues to tackle misconceptions about its location in Spokane, Washington. Despite having competed in the tournament more than 25 times, Gonzaga often faces jokes about its geographical obscurity. However, it has remained a powerhouse in college basketball since its inception in 1887.

Founded and named in honor of a Jesuit missionary, Marquette University reflects its Jesuit roots with its athletic teams. On the other hand, the schools Gonzaga and Xavier draw their names from Jesuit saints, while Creighton derives its name from Edward Creighton, a pioneer known for his contributions to telegraphy and his support for the Union during the Civil War. Fairfield University simply takes its name from its city, Fairfield, Connecticut.

Reflecting on the unique appeal of Jesuit mascots across American colleges, a recent ranking placed the Xavier Musketeers at sixth and the Fairfield Stags at twelfth, with Creighton, Gonzaga, and Marquette positioned further down the list. Marquette fans expressed dissatisfaction with their ranking; however, proposals for a unique super-mascot combining elements from all teams have surfaced, showcasing the creative spirit among fans.

Fairfield’s own Meghan Andersen continues to shine on the court, showcasing athletic prowess inherited from her mother, Denise, who previously led Fordham’s women’s basketball to success. In her last two seasons, Meghan has recorded an impressive 45-1 conference record and played a critical role in Fairfield’s recent conference championship.

As the tournaments approach, excitement builds among Jesuit institutions and their supporters, asking all alumnus and students to rally behind their teams. Mike Jordan Laskey, director of communications for the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, encourages participation in this celebration of Jesuit excellence in athletics.