Since 1924, the High Point Panthers’ logo has reflected the sports department at High Point University. The modern, concise version connects the brand’s history with its present-day and ensures recognition.
High Point University was founded in 1924 in North Carolina with Methodist support. Athletics began in 1927–28, with basketball as the first varsity sport. The program joined the North State Conference and remained there until 1997, winning 15 regular-season titles and 13 tournaments, with several NAIA national appearances. In 1944, coach Gary Yow placed Nancy Eisenhower on the men’s team due to a roster shortage.
From 1972 to 2003, Jerry Steele led the program, recording 493 wins. Golfer Gene Littles, active from 1965 to 1969, set scoring records and was drafted by the New York Knicks. Colin Montgomerie also passed through the golf program and later built an international career.
In 1997, High Point moved to the Big South Conference and, in 1999, reached NCAA Division I status. In 2003, men’s tennis won a conference title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament, where it faced Duke. That year, women’s soccer also won the Big South, while Danny Gathings earned an AP All-American mention.
The 2010–2011 season brought multiple titles, including women’s soccer and volleyball, while men’s soccer took the regular season. In 2011, women’s lacrosse, launched in 2009, finished 15:4, setting a Division I debut record, surpassing Navy.
In 2025, men’s basketball won the Big South Conference tournament and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time. Under coach Alan Huss and successor Flynn Clayman, the team posted a 30:4 record. In March 2026, as a No. 12 seed, High Point beat Wisconsin 83:82, marking its first NCAA Tournament win.
Meaning and History
1976-1995 – The era of the round emblem in the form of a seal. In the center was the monogram “HP,” and around the inside were the words “High Point University.” 1996 brought radical changes. After the redesign, only the combination of the letters “H” and “P” with triangular serifs remained.
The 2004 logo looked completely different. For the first time in a long time, artists depicted the sports mascot: a panther. The predator released its claws and opened its mouth with sharp teeth. At the same time, it pressed itself against the word “Panthers,” encircling it with its tail.
The final version of the emblem was presented in 2012. The world saw the company’s monogram again, now with three letters: “H,” “P,” and “U.” The overall style remained the same, but the symbols were tilted to the left, painted purple, and had asymmetrical serifs.
What is High Point Panthers?
High Point Panthers is the sports department of High Point University in North Carolina. It includes 16 student teams participating in NCAA Division I as members of the Big South Conference. The exception is the men’s lacrosse team, part of the Southern Conference.
1992 – 2003
2003 – 2004
2004 – 2012
2012 – today
High Point Panthers Basketball
The men’s team began playing in 1927. The team twice reached the NAIA tournament quarterfinals and participated in the CIT, NIT, and NCAA Division II tournaments. The women’s program has existed since 1967. The women’s basketball team won the 1978 AIAW Division II national championship and seven Carolinas Conference Tournaments.
High Point Panthers Soccer
Soccer players play at the home Vert Stadium. Brandi Fontaine coaches the women, and Zach Haines coaches the men.







