The LIU Sharks logo is dynamic and fluid. The symbol is associated with the flow of water and the silent predator’s swift, smooth glide in the ocean depths. The emblem sends a message to opponents, highlighting the players’ danger, speed, and determination.
LIU Sharks: Brand overview
The history of Long Island University’s athletic teams dates back to 1926, when the university was established in Brooklyn, New York. Initially, each campus had its teams: the LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds and the LIU Post Pioneers. In the 1930s, the LIU Brooklyn basketball team won a 43-game winning streak and the prestigious National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 1939.
In 1951, the basketball team faced a temporary ban due to a fracas but later successfully recovered. In 1957, a new athletic facility opened on the Brooklyn campus, providing further development. Joining the NCAA Northeast Conference in the 1980s allowed the university to regularly participate in national competitions.
From 2011 to 2013, the basketball team won three consecutive conference championships and participated in the NCAA tournament. An important decision was made in 2018 to unify both campus teams under one name, the LIU Sharks. The new program, featuring blue and gold colors and a single emblem, began competing in 2019. By 2023, the university will successfully represent various sports in the NCAA Division I.
Meaning and History
What is LIU Sharks?
It is an athletic program that combines the Brooklyn and Long Island University Post campuses into one team. She plays in the NCAA I Conference Northeast and specializes in hockey, baseball, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. The shark mascot and blue and gold colors reflect the team’s character. Based in New York City, the team uses sports facilities on both campuses to play and train student-athletes.
1989 – 1995
The logo features a symbol associated with the university’s Brooklyn campus. Thanks to a sports reporter, the team’s nickname and symbol first appeared in 192,7. After the team’s uniform color changed from blue to black, the commentator compared the players on the field to Blackbirds. The name resonated with the audience, replacing the team’s previous name, the Blue Devils.
The logo depicts a bird perched on a large letter “B.” The letter is colored in blue, white, and yellow, symbolizing natural elements. A similar style is used for the team name, positioned below along the base of the “B,” with an added reference to the team’s affiliation with the university’s Brooklyn campus.
The black letters of the inscriptions harmonize with the black feathers of the blackbird, while the yellow elements echo its beak, creating a visual connection. Combining blue, yellow, white, and black creates a cohesive and visually appealing composition. The use of blue shades reflects the maritime character of the Brooklyn area, surrounded by water.
1996 – 2007
The team’s emblem has been updated, gaining a dark and formidable appearance with the addition of mystical details. It features a thrush with outstretched wings firmly gripping the university’s black monogram. The composition is designed to resemble a tree branch or a building spire, adding depth and dimension to the piece. White highlights on the bird’s feathers enhance the glint effect. The black color, combined with a powerful beak and clawed talons, evokes associations with a raven, amplifying the impression of strength and menace. The visual design reflects the boldness, professionalism, and speed of the players confidently leading the game on the field.
2008 – 2018
The bird is partially hidden behind a black plaque with the team’s full name on the updated logo. The plaque’s tilt and the entire composition to the right enhance the impression of dynamics and motion. White letters, surrounded by a thin double outline, create an elegant and expressive image. The logo emphasizes the team’s achievements and its status among first-division teams.
2019 – today
In 2019, the sports teams of two campuses merged to form a unified team called the “Sharks.” The logo was designed to focus on a water theme, featuring blue and white colors. The main design element is a large blue abbreviation of the university, beneath which a shark is depicted. With bared teeth, sharp fins, and a tail, the predator conveys a sense of strength and aggression, reflecting the team’s attitude on the field. Yellow shadows on the shark’s surface soften the overall image, emphasizing the unification of the two campuses into one team.