who are the umbc retrievers

The UMBC Retrievers are the Division I varsity athletic teams of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, based in Catonsville, Maryland, competing primarily in the America East Conference of the NCAA.

Quick Scoop: Who They Are

• The UMBC Retrievers represent UMBC in multiple men’s and women’s sports, including basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and more.

• They compete at the NCAA Division I level, mainly in the America East Conference.

• Their mascot is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever named “True Grit,” inspired by Maryland’s state dog.

Famous For: March Madness Shock

• The UMBC Retrievers men’s basketball team made national headlines in 2018 by becoming the first No. 16 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed in the NCAA men’s tournament, beating Virginia 74–54.

• That upset is widely described as one of the greatest shocks in college basketball history, turning “UMBC Retrievers” into a trending sports name overnight.

Campus and Community Vibes

• UMBC is known for a diverse, academically focused campus, and athletics are positioned as part of a broader, inclusive Retriever community.

• “Welcome Retrievers” events and networking platforms like Retrievers Connect help students and alumni stay engaged with campus and career life around UMBC and its teams.

Recent and Ongoing Action

• The men’s basketball program remains the school’s most visible team, with current schedules, scores, and stats tracked by major sports outlets each season.

• Other sports such as soccer also compete under the UMBC Retrievers banner, with rosters, fixtures, and results posted on global sports and live-score sites.