College Sports Established
1899
Location
Bloomington, Indiana
College Name
Indiana University Bloomington
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1899 – Present / Big 10
Nickname
Hoosier - The Indiana Hoosiers are one of the most storied teams in college sports. The team's long and proud history dates back to 1887 when it was founded as the Indiana University Bloomington Men's Basketball Team. But what many people don’t know is where their iconic nickname comes from.
The origin of “Hoosiers” can be traced back to settlers who moved into southern Indiana during the early 19th century, mainly from Virginia and Kentucky. These newcomers were referred to affectionately by other locals as “Hoosier Hillbillies” or simply “Hoosiers." This term became so popular that it eventually spread throughout Indiana, becoming an unofficial state nickname for anyone living in or near the Hoosier State.
So how did this term become associated with IU? It appears that some students at IU began using "Hoosier" informally around the 1890s to refer to themselves and each other; they even printed up shirts with "Indiana Hooiser" on them! From there, newspapers started referring to IU athletics teams (most notably basketball) collectively as "the Hoosiers," which caught on quickly among fans inside and outside campus walls—and thus began one of college sports' greatest traditions!
Today, whether you're cheering for your favorite player at Assembly Hall or just showing off your school spirit elsewhere around town—you can proudly proclaim yourself a part-time member of #TeamHoosier!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 5
1987, 1981, 1976, 1953, 1940
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 8
2012, 2004, 2003, 1999, 1998, 1988, 1983, 1982
- 1982
- 1987
- 1999
- 2004
- 2012
- 2013
-
Hoosiers’ 1st NCAA championship
In 1982: The men’s soccer team won the national championship, defeating Duke in the NCAA Tournament Final. The 1982 championship started it all. IU won again in 1983, 1988, 1998, 1999, and 2003. The 2003 season was Yeagley’s last. He ended his career with a 544-1-45 record in 31 seasons and six NCAA championships. IU has since won two more ... -
1987 Hoosiers Basketball Title
The 1987 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament involved 64 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men’s NCAA Division I college basketball. It began on March 12, 1987, and ended with the championship game on March 30 in New Orleans, Louisiana. A total of 63 games were played. Indiana, coached by Bob Knight, won the ... -
1999 NCAA Championship
In 1999: The men’s soccer team wins its fifth national championship, defeating Santa Clara in the NCAA Tournament Final. -
Indiana Hoosiers men’s soccer team wins its seventh national championship
In 2004: The men’s soccer team wins its seventh national championship, defeating UC Santa Barbara in the NCAA Tournament Final. -
Hoosier Soccer Champs Again in 2012
The 2012 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament is a single-elimination tournament involving 48 teams to determine the champion of the 2012 NCAA Division I men’s soccer season. It was the 54th edition of the tournament. Indiana defeated Georgetown, 1–0, to win its 8th national title. -
Hoosiers baseball team reaches the College World Series
In 2013: The baseball team reaches the College World Series for the first time and becomes the first Big Ten school to do so since 1984.
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.
History of the Hoosiers
Since joining the Big Ten in 1899, Indiana has won five national championships: two in basketball (1940 & 1953), one football championship (1945), and two baseball championships (1949 & 2013). They’ve also had three Heisman Trophy winners—Howard “Hopalong” Cassady (1955), Archie Griffin (1975), and Anthony Thompson (1989)—as well as numerous All-Americans across all sports throughout its history.
The success isn't limited to individual awards; collectively speaking, no other school can match IU's impressive record over time in conference titles: 24 regular season crowns for men's basketball alone! That number is even more remarkable when you consider that only 10 schools currently make up what was once known as The Western Conference—the precursor for today's Big Ten conference lineup, which now includes 14 universities across North America.
In addition to these achievements on paper, many former players from this program have gone on to enjoy great professional careers both within NBA/NFL franchises or overseas leagues after graduating from IU Bloomington campus–notably Victor Oladipo, who currently plays with Orlando Magic, perhaps best example here too! It is clear that Indiana University produces some truly talented athletes every year - making them formidable opponents and highly sought-after prospects by pro scouts alike!
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