College Sports Established
1881
Location
San Antonio, Texas
College Name
University of the Incarnate Word
Collegiate History
2013 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2014 - Present / Southland Conference
2013 - 2014 / FCS Independent
Nickname
Cardinals - The University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals has been proudly representing their school since its inception in 1881. The name "Cardinals" was first used by the university's athletic teams in 1909, and has become an integral part of the school's identity ever since.
For many years, it was believed that the nickname originated from a local Catholic church near campus called St. Mary’s Cathedral; however, recent research suggests otherwise. According to historians at UIW, there is evidence that suggests that “Cardinal” may actually be derived from a red-colored bird found on campus known as a cardinal grosbeak (or simply cardinal). This species is native to South Texas and can often be seen around UIW during certain times of year - making them quite symbolic for those who attend or are associated with this university!
In addition to being adopted as their mascot back in 1909, Incarnate Word Cardinals have also been members of NCAA Division I athletics since 2013 when they joined Conference USA (CUSA). They currently compete against other schools within CUSA for championships across multiple sports including baseball/softball basketball football golf soccer tennis track & field volleyball and more! Not only do these athletes represent their institution but they also serve as ambassadors for all students at UIW - embodying excellence both on and off the playing field each day.
Since joining CUSA nearly eight years ago now –the Incarnate Word Cardinals have made tremendous strides towards becoming one of the college sports premier programs throughout Texas—and beyond! With hard work dedication determination ambition passion –they continue striving forward each season determined to make themselves proud while simultaneously honoring traditions set forth long ago when first given namesake: Cardinal Grosbeaks…
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1985
- 2007
- 2014
- 2021
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Incarnate Word College introduces intercollegiate athletics Program
In 1985: Incarnate Word College introduces intercollegiate athletics and begins competing at the NAIA level. -
Incarnate Word College changes its name to the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW)
In 2007, Incarnate Word College underwent a significant transformation by changing its name to the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). Here are some additional details about this important milestone: The decision to change the institution’s name from Incarnate Word College to the University of the Incarnate Word reflected its evolution as a comprehensive university with an expanding range of ... -
Cardinals football team becomes a member of the Southland Conference
In 2014: The Cardinals football team makes the transition to NCAA Division I and becomes a member of the Southland Conference. -
Incarnate Word Cardinals Crowned Southland Conference Champions
In 2021, The University of the Incarnate Word football team secured the 2021 Southland Conference Champion title after defeating the Huskies of Houston Baptist University, 55-14, on Saturday afternoon. This is the second time in program history the Cardinals have been named Southland Conference champions, but it is the first time the program has captured the outright title. UIW is ...
History of the Cardinals
As far as their basketball program is concerned, it began with great promise when they joined Division I play back in the 1999-2000 season after having spent most years competing at lower levels such as NAIA or NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association). During this time they were able to earn some impressive victories over major conference opponents like Texas Tech and TCU while also winning their first-ever Southland Conference regular season title during the 2009-10 campaign which earned them an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament for only the second time since becoming D1 team.
Since joining D1 ranks almost two decades ago now, UIW has been consistently competitive year by year making multiple appearances both on national television broadcasts & even hosting games against powerhouses like Kansas State Wildcats during the 2016-17 seasons. They’ve also had several players go onto professional careers including former NBA guard Jarell Eddie who played for Golden State Warriors from the 2014–15 season until the 2018 – 19 campaigns & current Houston Rockets forward Danuel House Jr. Overall, it’s safe to say that despite being relatively young compared to many other schools around the country, UIW men’s basketball team has made quite an impactful mark on the college sports landscape since coming up through ranks just a few short years ago!
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