Valparaiso University

The Valparaiso Beacons represent a proud tradition of excellence and championship spirit at Valparaiso University in Indiana. Competing in NCAA Division I within the Missouri Valley Conference, the Beacons continue to develop elite athletes across 19 varsity sports who achieve success at the highest professional and international levels. Guided by mascots Beacon the Golden Retriever and Blaze the Chocolate Labrador, Valparaiso’s basketball program boasts nine NCAA Tournament appearances under the legendary Drew family dynasty. The baseball team competes at a high level with regular NCAA appearances, while the softball program has earned three Horizon League championships and NCAA tournament bids. The men’s tennis team made history by scoring their first NCAA tournament point for a Horizon League school in 22 years. From Brown Field to the Athletics-Recreation Center, Valparaiso supports championship traditions and fosters academic and athletic excellence. Track and field programs have produced All-American performers who advanced to Olympic trials and international competitions. Since retiring their Crusader identity in 2021, Valparaiso embraces the Beacon spirit—a symbol of guidance and steadfast excellence in brown and gold—committed to creating pathways for student-athletes to achieve their Olympic dreams and professional aspirations while promoting inclusivity and determination.