The University of Michigan has a rich and storied athletics tradition. Intercollegiate competition officially began in 1865-66 when the baseball team won its first three contests it played that season. In 1879, football started its storied tradition. Women's athletics established formal varsity sports in 1973-74 with U-M fielding basketball, field hockey, swimming and diving, tennis and volleyball teams. Men's soccer and women's water polo were added as varsity sports in 2000-01.