The Evansville Purple Aces are known for their strong tradition in college athletics, especially in Evansville Purple Aces basketball and Evansville Purple Aces soccer. Representing the University of Evansville, the Aces have achieved historic success, passionate fan support, and a lasting impact on NCAA sports through their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to excellence.
College Sports Established
1854
Location
Evansville, Indiana
College Name
University of Evansville
Collegiate History
1977 - Present / NCAA Division I
1955 - 1977 / NCAA Division II
Conference History
1994 - Present / Missouri Valley Conference
1985 - 1994 / Midwestern Collegiate Conference
1979 - 1985 / Midwestern City Conference
Nickname
Purple Aces - The Evansville Purple Aces have a long and storied history in NCAA athletics. The nickname "Purple Aces" had existed since the 1920s, when the University of Evansville first began fielding teams in intercollegiate sports. The origin story behind this unique moniker is an interesting one that any true sports fan should know!
Evansville Purple Aces Origin
It all started with basketball coach Clifford Wells, who was hired to lead the university's newly formed team during its inaugural season in 1924-25. He wanted something memorable but had to contend with limited resources; thus, he decided on "Purple Aces," which could be printed cheaply on uniforms as it only required one ink color for printing! From there, other athletic teams adopted it, and soon enough, “Ace” became synonymous with all things related to UE athletics - from players' nicknames (such as Ace Jones) to cheers ("Go Ace Go!"). It inspired their fight song: “Let’s go you purple aces high…you can do or die…go ace go!.
The Purple Aces nickname has become synonymous within college sports circles and throughout Indiana itself; fans recognize it and proudly wear its colors whenever they attend games or cheer them on from afar. So next time you see someone sporting purple gear emblazoned with an ace symbol, remember that they are part of a proud tradition dating back nearly 100 years - thanks mainly to Clifford Wells' creativity!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1925
- 1977
- 1992
- 2009
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Evansville forms its first basketball team
In 1925, Evansville College formed its first basketball team. The team played its games in a small gymnasium on campus known as “the Ark.” The team’s first coach was Leo Berning, who was also a professor at the college. The team played a schedule of local opponents, including high schools and other small colleges in the area. In those early ... -
Evansville football team wins the NCAA Division II championship
In 1977, the Evansville Purple Aces football team won the NCAA Division II championship, the only national championship in the program’s history. The team was coached by Dennis Raetz, who had taken over as head coach just three years earlier. The Purple Aces finished the regular season with a record of 8-2, earning a spot in the Division II playoffs. ... -
women’s basketball team reaches NCAA
In 1992 Evansville women’s basketball team reaches the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history -
Jerry Solan – Evansville Athletics Hall of Fame
Jerry Sloan played college basketball for the University of Evansville Purple Aces from 1962 to 1965. During his time at Evansville, Sloan was a standout player and was named an All-American in both his junior and senior seasons. He was also a key member of the Evansville team that reached the NCAA tournament in 1964. Sloan’s success at Evansville helped ...
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Evansville Purple Aces History
The Evansville Purple Aces have built a proud legacy in NCAA athletics, with a rich tradition dating back to 1906. Known for their strong rivalries, especially with the Belmont Bruins, the Evansville Purple Aces basketball program has long been a powerhouse in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). Over the decades, they have captured nine conference championships, including four regular-season titles and five MVC Tournament crowns, cementing their place in college basketball history.
Throughout their journey, the Evansville Purple Aces basketball team has made several memorable runs in the NCAA Tournament. They have achieved two Final Four appearances and multiple Sweet Sixteen finishes, including their standout 1999–2000 season when they battled their way to the Sweet Sixteen before falling to eventual champion Michigan State. That same year, they also reached the NIT semifinals, playing an intense matchup against St. John’s at Madison Square Garden.
The Evansville Purple Aces have produced many outstanding athletes who have gone on to professional success. Among the most celebrated is Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan, who starred for the Aces before being drafted fourth overall in the 1966 NBA Draft. Sloan’s leadership helped define the program’s early identity. More recently, standout guard Colt Ryan became one of the top scorers in school history and went on to sign with the Utah Jazz as a free agent in 2012.
Purple Aces Achievements
Beyond basketball, the Evansville Purple Aces soccer team has also contributed to the university’s athletic prestige. Competing with passion and consistency, they have earned conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances, producing notable players who succeeded at both collegiate and professional levels.
Under the leadership of dedicated coaches, including former NBA player Walter McCarty, the Evansville Purple Aces basketball program continues to rebuild and inspire a new generation of athletes. The program’s focus on excellence, discipline, and community engagement keeps the spirit of the Aces alive as they strive for future championships in both basketball and soccer.
