The Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), formerly known as the Colonial Athletic Association, has seen numerous member schools participate in the NCAA basketball tournament over the years. Here’s a detailed history of their participation:
Current Member Schools:
1. College of Charleston
NCAA Appearances: Multiple times including recent years.
Notable: Reached the tournament in 2018 and 2023.
2. University of Delaware
NCAA Appearances: 1999, 2014, 2022.
Notable: Consistently competitive within the CAA.
3. Drexel University
NCAA Appearances: 1994, 1995, 1996, 2021.
Notable: Known for their 2021 tournament bid.
4. Elon University
No NCAA appearances since joining the CAA.
5. Hofstra University
NCAA Appearances: 2000, 2001, 2020 (though the tournament was canceled).
Notable: Strong performances in early 2000s.
6. University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
NCAA Appearances: Multiple times including 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2016, 2017.
Notable: Consistently strong performances in the 2000s and 2010s.
7. Northeastern University
NCAA Appearances: 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1991, 2015, 2019.
Notable: Rich history with multiple appearances.
8. Towson University
NCAA Appearances: 1990, 1991.
Notable: Historic appearances in early 1990s.
9. William & Mary
No NCAA tournament appearances despite being a historic program in the CAA.
Former Member Schools with Notable Histories:
1. Old Dominion University
NCAA Appearances: 1980, 1982, 1986, 1992, 1995, 1997, 2005, 2010, 2011.
Notable: Strong program with several tournament appearances.
2. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
NCAA Appearances: Multiple times, including a Final Four run in 2011.
Notable: A historically strong program in the CAA.
3. George Mason University
NCAA Appearances: Notably reached the Final Four in 2006.
Notable: Multiple appearances including their historic 2006 run.
4. James Madison University
NCAA Appearances: Multiple times including 1981, 1983, 1994, 2013.
Notable: Regular participant during their CAA tenure.
5. University of Richmond
NCAA Appearances: Multiple appearances including notable upsets in 1984 and 1991.
