The Longwood Lancers logo emphasizes the athletes’ elite status and professionalism. The team is highly regarded among national teams and is recognized for its consistent and active improvement, enhancing its level of play. The emblem connects the players’ skills with precious metals.
Longwood Lancers: Brand overview
The history of Longwood University’s athletic program dates back to 1839, when Farmville Female Seminary opened in Virginia. In the early 20th century, the first organized sports teams emerged, with tennis and basketball gaining popularity.
In 1949, the institution was renamed Longwood College, and its teams received the nickname “Lancers,” honoring the region’s knightly traditions. From 1951 onward, women’s field hockey became significant.
A significant milestone was the introduction of coeducation in 1976, which led to the establishment of men’s sports. In 1980, the university joined NCAA Division III and moved to Division II in 1988.
Since 2007, the athletic program has competed in NCAA Division I, joining the Big South Conference in 2012. In 2016, the baseball team won its first regular-season conference championship, and the softball team earned the championship title in 2019. In 2022, the men’s basketball team won the conference championship for the first time and debuted in the NCAA national tournament.
Meaning and History
What is Longwood Lancers?
The Lancer Nation team represents Farmville, Virginia, in the Big South Conference of NCAA Division I. The team competes in baseball, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse, playing games at Willett Hall and other campus venues. The Team’s fan base supports it. The team uses a blue-and-white color scheme and has a medieval knight mascot.
2001 – 2006
The symbol was created in preparation for joining the Carolinas–Virginia Athletic Conference and Longwood College’s transition to university status. The image features a knight in armor charging on horseback with a jousting lance. The emblem is tied to the team name, the Longwood Lancers. However, the official mascot for the athletic program is not the lancer but a horse named Elwood.
The design conveys the atmosphere of knightly tournaments, focusing on skill, speed, and the high caliber of the athletes. The rider and horse are adorned with capes, ribbons, and bridles in the university’s colors, emphasizing their connection to the team.
The logo’s background is a blue circle with a navy border, resembling a gong. In the foreground, an elegant script inscription indicating the players’ nickname completes the symbol’s overall design.
2006 – 2014
In 2006, the logo was updated, with the mascot horse becoming its central element. The horse is depicted in mid-flight, racing forward at incredible speed. Beneath the horse’s figure is a lance with a flowing banner, partially overlapping the image and leaving only Elwood’s head visible. The composition conveys energy and determination.
The emblem was created during the team’s transition to Division I, a process marked by years of searching for a conference, emphasizing progress and reaching new heights.
The color palette, featuring shades of blue and gray, adds depth and highlights the hard work and professionalism that have been key factors in the team’s success.
2014 – today
The emblem was introduced when the team entered the Big South Conference. The change in the color palette highlights the significance of this event. The horse and the tip of the lance are rendered in silver tones, emphasizing the team’s achievements, while the dark blue border reflects the athletes’ professional growth and dedication.
The team’s accomplishments became evident after the team joined Division I. The softball team won the conference tournament championship and went on to claim the NCAA championship, surpassing its rivals and conference peers. This period marked a phase that solidified the team’s position in the sports community.