Since 1985, Drexel University has been represented by athletes from the school’s teams, known as the Drexel Dragons, whose logo is “fierce” and vivid. The mascot, derived from Eastern mythology, accurately reflects the brand’s philosophy, the hidden meaning of its name, and the ambition to always reach new heights.
The athletic history of Drexel University began in 1895 with a 26:1 basketball win over Temple College. Early teams used names like Drexelites and Engineers before adopting the Dragons identity, later reinforced by the mascot Mario V. Mascioli.
In 1958, the soccer team under Donald Yonker finished 12:0 and was named national champion by the Intercollegiate Soccer Football Association of America. That title remained outside NCAA recognition but became a key part of the program’s record.
Earlier, women’s rifle teams had already won national titles in 1947, 1949, 1950, 1952, and 1954. In 1957, men’s basketball made its debut in the first NCAA Division II tournament.
The move to Division I began in 1973. Under Bill Herrion in the 1990s, Drexel reached the NCAA Tournament three times. In 1996, Malik Rose led the program to a win over the Memphis Tigers before losing to Syracuse, marking the program’s only tournament victory.
Women’s basketball reached a milestone in 2009, ending Old Dominion Lady Monarchs’ 17-year run and winning the Colonial Athletic Association. In 2013, the team secured the Women’s NIT title.
Men’s lacrosse upset Virginia in 2007 and won its first conference title in 2014, reaching the NCAA Tournament. In 2018, Drexel set a Division I record comeback against Delaware, and in 2021, returned to NCAA play.
Meaning and History
The emblem from 1985-2001 featured a Chinese dragon, known in Eastern culture as a lunar serpent, a yellow silhouette of a dragon writhing inside a blue square. The word “Drexel” is also executed in a standard Serif font. Under the geometric figure on a white background is the second word: “University.” The sans-serif letters look strict and presentable.
In 2002, designers depicted another dragon on the logo, this time a winged, fire-breathing one. This mythological creature bursts through the top part of the Drexel Dragons sign and emits bright red flames from its mouth. Artists focused on the style, paying attention to the image’s detailing. The font is original: the letters have serifs and triangular spikes on the left side. The colors match the university’s official blue-and-gold palette.
What is Drexel Dragons?
The Drexel Dragons are the sports department of Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It consists of 18 student teams that compete in NCAA Division I and are members of the Colonial Athletic Association, EIWA (wrestling), and IRA (men’s rowing).
1967 – 1999
1999 – 2012
2012 – today
Drexel Dragons Basketball
Drexel University’s first basketball team debuted in 1895. It was a promising start: the score was 26:1 in Drexel’s favor. Over time, the basketball players have repeatedly won victories. In the 2018-2019 season, they even set a win-loss record that has yet to be surpassed. The women’s team has also earned top spots in tournaments. In 2013, it won the WNIT championship title.
Drexel Dragons Field Hockey
The school funds a field hockey program. In 2012, its team performed well in the Colonial Athletic Association, defeating the opponent 2:1. Equally successful was 2009, when the women’s team won the NCAA tournament for the first time.






