The IUPUI Jaguars have built a reputation as one of the most competitive programs in college sports. With strong traditions in IUPUI Jaguars basketball and IUPUI Jaguars soccer, the teams continue to inspire fans. Known for their dedication and talent, the Jaguars embody school spirit and athletic excellence.
College Sports Established
1969
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana
College Name
Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
Collegiate History
1997 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2017 - Present / Horizon League
1997 - 2017 / Summit League
Nickname
Jaguars - The IUPUI Jaguars are a beloved sports team in Indianapolis, and their mascot is one of the city's most recognizable symbols. But do you know where their nickname comes from? Let’s take a look at how this iconic team got its name.
IUPUI Jaguars Origin
In 1965, when IUPUI was first established as Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), it adopted the jaguar as its official mascot to reflect both schools’ ties to Indiana and Purdue Universities. The jaguar symbolizes strength, courage, agility, and power—all qualities embody what it means to be an IUPUI athlete or fan!
When deciding on a nickname for the university's athletic teams in 1971, “Jaguars” seemed obvious, given that they already had such strong ties with this powerful animal. Plus, they wanted something unique; there were no other collegiate teams named "Jaguars" at the time! This made them stand out from other schools across America who may have chosen more familiar names like Tigers or Bears for their mascots.
The school also chose colors that would represent these same traits: blue for loyalty, white for purity, gold representing excellence in academics and athletics alike, and black signifying strength & determination - all essential elements needed by any successful student-athlete program today! With these values firmly rooted in our school spirit, we have proudly called ourselves 'the Jaguars' ever since!
So now you know why our beloved IUPUI sports teams are called ‘the Jaguars.' We're proud of our heritage here at IUPUI – so make sure you show your support by cheering loudly & proud whenever we play! Go Jags!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 2000
- 2003
- 2022
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Jaguars Men’s soccer Success
The men’s soccer team advanced to the NAIA Division 21 Playoffs in 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1993. The 1993 team advanced to the NAIA Division 21 Championship before their season ended. The 1994 team lost in the NAIA Division 21 Tournament. In 2000, the Jaguars won the Mid-Continent Conference Tournament. They defeated Marist in an NCAA tournament play-in game. Their ... -
Summit Victory & NCAA Debut
The IUPUI Jaguars men’s basketball team is the men’s basketball team that represented Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, through the 2023–24 season. The school’s team currently competes in the Horizon League. The Jaguars made their first and to date only appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2003 when they won the Summit League Conference Championship. The ... -
Women’s First NCAA Appearances
The IUPUI Jaguars women’s basketball team is the women’s basketball team that represented Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States through the 2023–24 season. The school’s team currently competes in the Horizon League. The Jaguars appeared in their first NCAA tournament in 2022 after having won the 2020 Horizon League women’s basketball tournament to qualify for the 2020 ...
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IUPUI Jaguars History
The IUPUI Jaguars have been an important part of Indianapolis sports since the university’s founding in 1969. Over the years, the program has grown into a respected competitor in NCAA athletics, creating lasting memories for fans, especially in their rivalry with the Youngstown State Penguins. The IUPUI Jaguars basketball and IUPUI Jaguars soccer programs remain central to their athletic identity.
In 1972, IUPUI launched its athletics program and first fielded teams in basketball, soccer, and other sports. At that time, they were known as the Metros due to their association with the Metropolitan University concept. In 1995, the school adopted the Jaguars nickname to better reflect the program’s spirit and competitiveness. By 1998, the IUPUI Jaguars achieved full NCAA Division I membership, competing in the Mid-Continent Conference before later joining the Horizon League in 2017.
The program has seen many standout athletes. Former NBA guard George Hill, who went on to a long professional career, is among the most successful IUPUI Jaguars basketball alumni. Other athletes such as Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard, WNBA champion Tully Bevilaqua, and professional golfer Jeff Overton have also represented the Jaguars at the highest levels. These alumni highlight the broad talent that has come through IUPUI athletics.
The IUPUI Jaguars basketball team has earned conference titles and postseason appearances in tournaments such as the NIT and CIT, including back-to-back postseason berths in 2017–18 and 2018–19. Their competitive spirit and ability to challenge top programs have kept fans engaged and energized. On the soccer field, the IUPUI Jaguars soccer program has also found success, with multiple Horizon League tournament appearances and individual players earning All-Conference honors.
Jaguars Achievements
The Jaguars continue to expand their athletic achievements. In recent years, men’s and women’s programs across sports have developed stronger recruiting pipelines, giving IUPUI the opportunity to compete with some of the best mid-major programs. Whether in IUPUI Jaguars basketball, IUPUI Jaguars soccer, or other sports, the teams embody a balance of athletic skill and academic excellence.
Looking forward, the IUPUI Jaguars aim to strengthen their reputation within the Horizon League and beyond. Their commitment to winning, combined with a tradition of student-athlete success, ensures that the Jaguars will remain a competitive and inspiring presence in college sports for years to come.
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