The Seattle Redhawks logo is presented as a text composition of the university’s name. Its color represents energy, ambition, and the dynamics of athletic competition. The design highlights the connection between sports and education at Seattle University.
Seattle University, founded in 1891, began its athletic tradition under the name “Maroons,” aligned with the school’s original colors. In 1938, the teams adopted the “Chieftains” nickname, reflecting the region’s Native American heritage.
Basketball gained prominence in the 1950s, highlighted by the team’s appearance in the 1958 NCAA Division I championship game against Kentucky, with future NBA Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor leading the way. The program remained strong in the 1960s, notably producing NBA player Eddie Miles.
Women’s athletics formally began at Seattle University in 1971, expanding competitive opportunities across various sports. In 1980, the school transitioned from NCAA Division I to NAIA, adjusting its athletic priorities.
Returning to NCAA Division I competition in the late 2000s, the university adopted the “Redhawks” nickname in 2008, reflecting a renewed identity. In 2012, Seattle officially joined the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
Recent successes include the men’s soccer team’s first WAC championship in 2013 and the men’s basketball team reaching the College Basketball Invitational in 2018. Facility upgrades followed, notably at Championship Field in 2016, and a modernization of training facilities was completed in 2022.
As of 2023, Seattle University maintains its competitive presence in the WAC, with a focus on basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field.
Meaning and History
What is Seattle Redhawks?
It’s a private university in Seattle known for its competitive sports teams, which perform well in the Western Athletic Conference at the NCAA Division I level. The university’s athletes compete in 20 different sports. Its impressive football and basketball teams attract a loyal fan base thanks to their fast, aggressive style of play, which reflects Seattle’s urban culture.
2008 – today
The Seattle University logo, introduced to the public in 2008, consists of a single word, SeattleU. It is written in large letters in rich shades of red and black. The color emphasis is placed on the city’s name and the final letter U, indicating the institution’s connection to education. The typeface is bold with slightly angular contours.
The red color sets the emotional tone of the emblem, reflecting energy, intensity, and the university’s close connection to city life. The final letter U is rendered in black, adding a sense of formality and contrast to the symbol’s overall perception.
Alongside the main logo, the monogram SU is also used on athletic uniforms, official documents, and other elements of university life. Both components form a unified identity system recognized by students, faculty, and city residents.
The letterforms are arranged in a straight horizontal line. The inscription’s geometry alludes to architectural motifs, visually emphasizing the institution’s importance and status. The color intensity, the simplicity of the lines, and the completeness of the form create the image of a modern and ambitious university integrated into the city’s dynamics.


