The Bradley Braves represent a strong tradition in college athletics, known for their dedication and sportsmanship. With deep roots in NCAA competition, Bradley Braves basketball has brought national attention to the university, while Bradley Braves soccer continues to grow, showcasing the school’s commitment to athletic excellence and student achievement across all programs.
College Sports Established
1897
Location
Peoria, Illinois
College Name
Bradley University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1948 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1948 - 1952, 1955 - Present / Missouri Valley Conference
1952 - 1955 / Independent
Nickname
Braves - The Bradley Braves are one of the most storied teams in NCAA history, and their name has a proud tradition behind it. The nickname's origins can be traced back to World War I when Bradley University's student body members served in France as part of a U.S. Army unit known as "The Fighting 99th." This unit comprised students attending various universities across America, including many from Bradley University who wore red and white uniforms with an Indian headdress on their caps - thus earning them the nickname "the Braves."
Bradley Braves Origin
Although no official record confirms this story, it remains popular among sports fans and alumni alike, so much so that when the university formed its basketball team in 1930, it adopted “Braves” as its mascot for good! Since then, all athletic teams at Bradly have been known by this moniker – proudly representing school spirit and honoring those brave soldiers who fought during WWI.
Over time other symbols, such as Chief Braveheart, were added to reinforce these ties to Native American culture while providing additional visual representation for fans cheering on their beloved team throughout each season! With such an interesting backstory behind them – it’s easy to see why people continue rooting for ‘the Braves year after year!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1901
- 1955
- 1996
- 2009
- 2019
-
Bradley Braves Football Era
In 1901 Bradley forms its first football team and in 1917 Bradley discontinues its football program due to World War I -
Bradley’s Basketball Team
In 1955 Bradley’s basketball team reaches the NCAA Final Four for the second time, but loses in the semifinals -
Jim Les as basketball coach
In 1996 Bradley hires Jim Les as basketball coach, who leads the team to several winning seasons and a berth in the NCAA tournament in 2006 -
Missouri Valley Conference championship Winner
In 2009 Bradley’s women’s basketball team wins the Missouri Valley Conference championship -
Bradley soccer team wins the Missouri Valley Conference
In 2019 Bradley soccer team wins the Missouri Valley Conference championship for the third time in program history
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Bradley Braves History
The Bradley Braves have a proud and enduring tradition in NCAA sports, especially in their historic rivalry with the Drake Bulldogs. Originating in the early 1900s, the program’s roots trace back to the founding of Bradley Polytechnic Institute in 1897. The first intercollegiate athletic team began competing in 1908 when Bradley joined the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC), marking the beginning of its long-standing athletic heritage.
Over the decades, the Bradley Braves basketball program has grown into one of the most respected in the nation. Since joining the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) in the 1955–56 season, the Braves have claimed seven regular-season championships and five tournament titles. Their basketball team has also made 23 NCAA Tournament appearances, advancing to two Final Fours and one Elite Eight, proving their consistency and competitive excellence.
The Bradley Braves soccer program has also developed a strong reputation, competing in the MVC and regularly contending for conference titles. Known for producing disciplined and technically skilled players, the soccer team has made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, solidifying its place as one of the top mid-major programs in the nation.
Braves Achievements
Beyond the field and court, Bradley University has produced several distinguished alumni who have made their mark in professional sports. Former NBA players Hersey Hawkins and Anthony Parker, along with MLB standout Dave Stapleton, are among the school’s most notable athletes. Additionally, former head coach Jim Les, who once led the Braves to NCAA success, later joined UCLA’s men’s basketball staff, continuing the school’s coaching legacy.
In recent years, the Bradley Braves basketball program has continued to build on its storied history with strong showings in MVC tournaments and national postseason play. Meanwhile, Bradley Braves soccer has maintained its competitive edge, fostering talent that continues to represent the university proudly on larger stages.
With a foundation of athletic excellence, academic integrity, and community pride, the Bradley Braves remain one of the most respected programs in collegiate athletics. Their ongoing success in Bradley Braves basketball and Bradley Braves soccer showcases a perfect balance of tradition, teamwork, and dedication that defines the university’s athletic spirit.
