Akron

The University of Akron in Ohio embodies resilience, championship spirit, and a proud athletic tradition dating back to 1925. The Zips are recognized nationally for their 2010 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer National Championship—the first team title in school history—culminating a storied soccer legacy that includes a College Cup final in 2018. The soccer program has been a Big East powerhouse under coaches like Ken Lolla and Caleb Porter and plays at the prominent FirstEnergy Stadium-Cub Cadet Field. Akron has produced five individual NCAA champions in sports ranging from pole vaulting, exemplified by world champion Shawn Barber, to rifle, weight throw, and heptathlon. The basketball program has delivered thrilling NCAA tournament runs, including multiple MAC Tournament championships, while the football team broke through with its first MAC crown and Motor City Bowl berth in 2005. InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field hosts passionate football crowds, especially for the fierce Wagon Wheel rivalry against Kent State. The unique “Zips” nickname reflects Akron’s rubber industry heritage, symbolizing toughness and industry spirit. Mascot Zippy the Kangaroo, one of the nation’s few female college mascots, leads spirited fans who embody dedication and pride. Akron athletics celebrate a culture of hard work, determination, and the pursuit of championship excellence across all sports.