York Lions Varsity Sports Programs and Achievements
The York Lions represent a diverse array of athletic talent, competing across a wide spectrum of men's and women's sports. From the gridiron to the ice rink, the Lions participate in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) conference, a primary governing body for university sports in Ontario, and compete for national honors within U Sports, the national governing body for university sport in Canada.
The university offers a comprehensive list of varsity programs, including basketball, cross country, football, field hockey, ice hockey, soccer, rugby, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling.
Key Facts
- Most National Titles: Men's soccer leads with six U Sports national championships.
- Most Conference Titles: Women's volleyball holds the school record with 15 conference championships.
- Longest Serving Coach: Dan Church has led the women's ice hockey team since 2004.
- Historic Milestones: The men's ice hockey team secured three national championships in the 1980s.
Field and Gridiron Sports
Football
Established in 1968, the York Lions football team competes in an 11-team OUA conference. While the program is one of only two in U Sports football that has not yet won a conference championship, it continues to build its legacy under the leadership of head coach Dexter Janke, who took over the role on January 22, 2024.
Men's Soccer
The men's soccer program is one of the most decorated at York, boasting six U Sports national championships and seven OUA conference championships. Under head coach Carmine Isacco, hired in 2007, the team has seen immense success, winning six conference titles (2007, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018) and five national titles (2008, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2025). The 2008 national victory was particularly significant, marking York's first national championship in any sport in 18 years.
Individual excellence has also defined the program. Alon Badat was named a U Sports Championship All Star and the OUA West Rookie of the Year in 2010, followed by a First-Team OUA All-Star selection in 2011. The team currently competes in an 18-team OUA conference.
Women's Soccer
Competing in a 19-team OUA conference, the women's soccer team has secured four conference championships in 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2019. The program has been led by head coach Carmine Isacco since 2012.
Ice Hockey Programs
Men's Ice Hockey
The men's ice hockey team competes in a 20-team OUA conference. The program's golden era included three national championships won in 1985, 1988, and 1989. Additionally, the Lions have captured seven Queen's Cup conference championships, with the most recent victory occurring in 2017. Russ Herrington has served as head coach since 2017.
Women's Ice Hockey
The women's ice hockey team is part of a 13-team OUA conference. The program has won three McCaw Cup conference championships (1983, 1987, and 1997). The team is led by Dan Church, who has been head coach since 2004, making him the longest-serving active head coach at the university.
Court and Court-Side Sports
Men's Volleyball
The men's volleyball team competes in a 13-team OUA conference. The program has a rich history with 13 conference championships, the most recent in 2005. Their peak national performance was a second-place finish in the 1974 national championship tournament. Jordan Taylor was appointed head coach on July 21, 2023.
Women's Volleyball
The women's volleyball team holds a school record with 15 conference championships, most recently winning in 2009. In national competition, the Lions have earned five bronze medals, with the last achieved in 1991. Jennifer Neilson has been the head coach since 2018, leading the team in a 14-team OUA conference.
Program Summary
| Sport | Conference (OUA) Size | Key Achievements | Current Head Coach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Football | 11 Teams | Active since 1968 | Dexter Janke |
| Men's Ice Hockey | 20 Teams | 3 National Titles; 7 Queen's Cups | Russ Herrington |
| Women's Ice Hockey | 13 Teams | 3 McCaw Cups | Dan Church |
| Men's Soccer | 18 Teams | 6 National Titles; 7 Conference Titles | Carmine Isacco |
| Women's Soccer | 19 Teams | 4 Conference Titles | Carmine Isacco |
| Men's Volleyball | 13 Teams | 13 Conference Titles; 2nd Nationally (1974) | Jordan Taylor |
| Women's Volleyball | 14 Teams | 15 Conference Titles; 5 National Bronze | Jennifer Neilson |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which York Lions team has the most conference championships?
The women's volleyball team holds the school record with 15 conference championships.
Who is the longest-serving active head coach at York?
Dan Church, the head coach of the women's ice hockey team, is the longest-serving active head coach, having held the position since 2004.
How many national championships has the men's soccer team won?
The men's soccer team has won six U Sports national championships.
When did the men's ice hockey team last win the Queen's Cup?
The men's ice hockey team most recently won the Queen's Cup conference championship in 2017.
What is the highest national finish for the men's volleyball team?
The men's volleyball team achieved a second-place finish in the national championship tournament in 1974.