The athletic teams and student body of Florida International University proudly carry the moniker the FIU Panthers. The panther was chosen to represent the university's athletic spirit, agility, toughness, and regional connection to the native wildlife of South Florida, specifically the endangered Florida panther inhabiting the nearby Everglades. Student-athletes, marching bands, and alumni rally around the panther mascot, embodying school pride and competitive resilience across all varsity sports programs competing in NCAA Division I.