The Hofstra Pride is the athletics identity of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. The university’s teams compete in NCAA Division I, and the athletic department lists its official colors as Gold (PMS 123), White, and Blue (PMS 661).[1]
Design and History
Hofstra’s teams were known as the Flying Dutchmen until 2001, when school officials changed the nickname to the Pride. The change was made because Hofstra’s longtime logo featured two lions, and “a pride” is a pack of lions, which officials felt was more meaningful.[2] The first consistent use of the word “Pride” relating to athletics dates to 1989, when the university’s athletic booster club was founded and called itself The Pride Club.[3]
In July 2005, Hofstra unveiled a new athletics logo as part of a University-wide re-imaging project. The redesign process lasted a year and involved students, alumni, faculty, boosters, staff, and administration.[3] The new Hofstra Athletics logo consisted of a graphic mark of a male and female lion in powerful, synchronized motion, paired with the word mark of the Hofstra Pride or the specific sports team. This logo became the only one used by Hofstra Athletics.[3] Both the Pride logo and the University’s new “shield” logo were designed by advertising agency Powell New York.[4]
In 2025, Hofstra introduced a comprehensive brand refresh led by creative brand consultant MBLM. The agency redesigned Hofstra’s iconic athletics lions, creating a suite of marks for use across the university’s wide range of sports programs.[5] The new athletics logo was revealed on June 9, 2025, through a video posted on the university’s social media accounts.[6] The redesigned website, featuring the new look for Pride Athletics, launched in September 2025.[7]
Meaning and Symbolism
The Hofstra Pride refers to a pack of lions, male and female, which work together towards a common goal and symbolize determination and strength. The Pride conveys both the teamwork and togetherness that is a trait of lions living in prides, who have a close bond and work together for the good of the entire group.[3] The male and female lion pairing also reflects gender equity, a concept that dates to 1988 when the lion on the right side of the shield on the Hofstra seal was changed into a lioness to symbolize gender equity.[8]
The 2025 brand refresh preserved the equity of the university’s blue and yellow colors while augmenting them with a supporting palette.[5] The centerpiece of the new University brand is a bold, modern shield that frames the iconic “H” monogram. The shape suggests an open book, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and discovery, while its tulip-like form serves as a symbol of renewal and a nod to Hofstra’s Dutch heritage.[9]
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