As early as the 1893-94 academic year, no more than three years after one of the world's most popular sports was invented by Dr. James Naismith in nearby Springfield, Massachusetts, students at Mount Holyoke College were playing intramural basketball games. Basketball has been a staple of student life at MHC ever since.
Mount Holyoke intercollegiate varsity basketball started with a 5-2 season in 1973-74. Through 51 seasons as of 2024-25, the Lyons have played in over 1,100 intercollegiate games, with more than 400 victories.
Photo: Lyons playing hoops in 1902. (Mount Holyoke College Archives and Special Collections)
Program Record Books