Evansville

The University of Evansville Purple Aces represent a legendary championship heritage, profound resilience, and the enduring spirit of their community in Evansville, Indiana. The university's athletic soul was forged in its era as a small-college basketball dynasty, a period that saw the Aces win an incredible five NCAA National Championships, including an undefeated season in 1965 led by Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan. The program's story is also one of unimaginable tragedy and unbreakable spirit, forever honoring the memory of the 1977 team lost in a plane crash, a moment that galvanized the university and the city. In the modern era, the Aces proved their giant-killer spirit is alive and well with a monumental upset of the No. 1 ranked Kentucky Wildcats in 2019. As a long-standing member of the Missouri Valley Conference, the Aces compete at the Ford Center, while a successful men's soccer program with its own Final Four history adds to the university's proud athletic legacy. The Evansville Purple Aces embody a history deeper than just wins and losses, representing a tradition of excellence and a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.