The University of Portland Pilots: A Legacy of Athletic Excellence
The University of Portland, located in Portland, Oregon, sponsors approximately 15 varsity teams that compete in the West Coast Conference (WCC) at the NCAA Division I level. Known as the Portland Pilots, these teams have a rich history dating back to the university's founding in 1901. From their early days as an independent team to their current standing as a respected program in collegiate athletics, the Pilots have established a tradition of competitive sportsmanship and a commitment to maintaining high standards.
The Origins of the Pilots
The inception of the Portland Pilots traces back to the establishment of the University of Portland in 1901, marking the beginning of a journey rich in athletic tradition and achievement. Originally known as Columbia University, the school renamed itself the University of Portland in 1935 to avoid confusion with New York's Columbia University. According to Bluff legend, though the original nickname that students chose in a 1935 contest resulted in “Chinooks” (after the Indian tribe that inhabited the area, and the largest of the salmon species in the Willamette River), the “Pilots” was chosen by presidential fiat. At the same time, the Pilot athletic teams became associated with Wally (a stylized riverboat pilot), and the pilot’s wheel became the logical logo.
The name and University had already begun to adapt a more “nautical motif,” suitable for a campus site overlooking the Willamette River. Common to rivers and the large vessels which must negotiate their waters, riverboat pilots are charged with safely escorting large ships, barges and other river traffic through the unfamiliar waters, in order to get the vessels to port. Today, the University of Portland is the only NCAA-affiliated university which uses the “Pilots” nickname.
Early Years and Conference Affiliations
The University of Portland began competing as an independent team in 1901 before officially joining the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC) in 1916. During their early years in the PCC, the Portland Pilots built a strong reputation for teamwork and dedication.
In 1976, the Pilots joined the West Coast Conference, where they continue to compete today.
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A Defining Force: Soccer
While the Pilots have achieved success in various sports, their soccer program has become a defining force in collegiate athletics. The soccer program, led by talented athletes like Christine Sinclair, achieved tremendous success and set a standard of excellence that continues today.
The Pilots started to gain attention when Clive Charles began coaching the women's soccer team in 1989. He already had been the men's soccer coach since 1986, and he continued to coach both teams until his death in 2003. He was replaced by Bill Irwin. The women's soccer team won national championships in 2002 and 2005, milestones that not only brought glory to the team but also significantly enhanced the university’s stature in the competitive world of college sports. The team was led by numerous national-level players (see "notable alumni athletes" section).
The Portland Pilots play home soccer matches at Merlo Field, part of the Clive Charles Soccer Complex.
Cross Country and Track & Field: Consistent Excellence
In addition to soccer, UP consistently has one of the top cross country programs in the nation. Their men's team, coached by Rob Conner, won their 34th overall West Coast Conference championship in October 2014. The men's team has qualified for the NCAA Men's Division I Cross Country Championship a total of eighteen times, making their first appearance in 1993. The team has finished among the top 10 eight times in its history. The Pilots placed 7th in 2001, 2008, and 2013. The Pilots finished 3rd in 2014 and 2018 as well as 2nd in 2017, which was their highest ever finish. In 2008, David Kinsella finished 4th overall, the highest any Pilot has ever placed individually at the national championships. The men's team has won the NCAA West Regional four times in their history: in 1993, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Beyond soccer, their prowess extends to other sports such as cross country and track and field, where they have consistently shown remarkable performance.
Basketball: NCAA Tournament Appearances and Building for the Future
The basketball program gained significant traction in the 1980s, marking an important era with NCAA Tournament appearances in 1982, 1985, and 1989. These milestones established the Portland Pilots basketball team as a consistent contender within Division I athletics.
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The men's basketball team has participated in the NCAA tournament twice (1959 and 1996). The Portland Pilots men's basketball team represents the University of Portland, located in Portland, Oregon, United States, in NCAA Division I basketball competition. They have played their home games at the Chiles Center since 1984, and are members of the West Coast Conference. The Pilots have appeared in two NCAA tournaments. The Pilots have appeared in four CollegeInsider.com Tournaments. The Pilots have appeared in one The Basketball Classic Tournament. The Pilots have appeared in the NAIA Tournament eight times.
The women's basketball team has participated in the NCAA Tournament six times (1994-1997, 2023, and 2024), qualified for the cancelled 2020 NCAA Tournament, and participated in the WNIT three times (1998, 2009, and 2022). All volleyball and basketball games are held in the Chiles Center.
Recent years have brought renewed energy under strong coaching leadership and upgraded athletic facilities. The Portland Pilots basketball program continues to build toward consistent postseason success.
Baseball: A History of Tournament Play
Their baseball team has also participated in the NCAA tournament five times (1957, 1958, 1979, 1989, and 1991). The baseball team plays in Joe Etzel Field.
Wally the Pilot: The Mascot
From the 1950s to 1993, the members of Upsilon Omega Pi fraternity were Wally’s caretakers. In 1953, they spent 70 hours building a paper-mache Wally Pilot head, which they wore with rain gear at sports and other University events. When fraternities and sororities disbanded on campus in the early 1990s, Wally’s head, rain gear, and boots were given to the University Museum where they are on display today. In 1993, a more friendly, healthy, and modern Wally Pilot was unveiled but to mixed reviews by students and alumni. Reunion 2023 is an opportunity to celebrate our mascot's 75th jubilee!
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Logos Through the Years
While the old Portland Pilots logo was rather intricate, the current one has a more minimalistic and sleeker look. The emblem used in 1992-2005 featured a ship’s wheel with an anchor inside. A completely new concept of the Portland Pilots visual identity was introduced in 2006. It was a super sleek minimalistic badge with just one stylized letter, the “P”, drawn in solid blue strokes against a plain white background. The character was formed by two elements, which were outlined in a medium-dark shade of gold.
Notable Alumni
Over the years, the Portland Pilots have also produced several standout athletes in multiple sports. Jim Paxson Jr., one of the university’s most celebrated basketball alumni, played more than a decade in the NBA and remains a symbol of Pilot pride. Benji Michel, is a soccer player for F.C.
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