College Sports Established
1896
Location
West Lafayette, Indiana
College Name
Purdue University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1907 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1896 – Present / Big 10 Conference
Nickname
Boilermakers - The Purdue Boilermakers are one of the most storied college sports teams in America, with a proud history that dates back to 1887. The team’s nickname has an interesting origin story steeped in tradition.
The origin of the Purdue Boilermakers name can be traced back to 1893 when local newspapers began referring to Purdue athletes as “Boiler Makers” or “Boilers” due to their hard work ethic and dedication on the field. This nickname was further cemented when a student newspaper, The Exponent, ran an article about how football players were like "boilers" because they had worked so hard during practice sessions that it made them sweat profusely - just like boilers do!
From then on, the team adopted this moniker as its official name and has proudly represented it ever since. As for why they chose such a unique title? According to legend, it's because West Lafayette was home at one time (and still is today) for many boiler factories which produced steam engines used by trains across America – making them trustworthy boiler makers!
Today you will see fans wearing gold-colored clothing adorned with black lettering spelling out P-U-R-DUE B-OILeRMaKERS all over campus during game days, showing off their school pride while honoring its origins at the same time. So next time you watch your favorite NCAA match-up between two powerhouse teams, remember: behind every great college sports program is a rich history waiting to be discovered - much like our beloved Purdue Boilermakers!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 1
1999
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1932
- 1961
- 1999
- 2005
- 2010
- 2013
-
Boilermakers – John Wooden
After graduating from high school in 1928, he attended Purdue University and was coached by Ward “Piggy” Lambert. The 1932 Purdue team on which he played as a senior was retroactively recognized as the pre-NCAA Tournament national champion by the Helms Athletic Foundation and the Premo-Poretta Power Poll. John Wooden was named All-Big Ten and All-Midwestern (1930 – 1932) while ... -
Boilermakers basketball team wins its eighth conference championship
In 1961: The basketball team wins its eighth conference championship and makes its third appearance in the NCAA tournament, losing to Ohio State in the regional finals. Terry Dischinger is named the National Player of the Year. -
Purdue Womens Basketball Champions 1999
The 1999 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament began on March 12, 1999, and concluded on March 28, 1999, when Purdue won its first national championship in any women’s sport. The Final Four was held at the San Jose Arena in San Jose, California, on March 26–28, 1999. Purdue defeated Duke 62-45 in Carolyn Peck’s final game as head coach for the Boilermakers. She had previously announced her intention of ... -
Boilermakers Women’s basketball Conference Victory
In 2005: The women’s basketball team wins its third conference championship and makes its 11th appearance in the NCAA tournament, losing to Michigan State in the regional semifinals1. Katie Gearlds is named the Big Ten Player of the Year. -
Robbie Hummel named the Big Ten Player of the Year
2010: The men’s basketball team repeats as conference champions and makes its 20th appearance in the NCAA tournament, losing to Duke in the regional semifinals. Robbie Hummel is named the Big Ten Player of the Year. -
Boilermakers Women’s basketball team reaches in NCAA tournament semifinals
In 2013: The women’s basketball team wins its fifth conference championship and makes its 13th appearance in the NCAA tournament, losing to Louisville in the regional semifinals.
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 Boilermakers
Purdue Boilermakers sports teams are one of the most storied programs in college athletics. With a long and rich history, Purdue has been a significant player in NCAA competitions since its inception, often competing fiercely against their rivalry team, the Maryland Terrapins. From winning national championships to producing some of the best athletes in the world, Purdue is no stranger to success on and off the field.
The Boilermakers have won two national titles – men’s basketball (1932 & 1980) – and countless conference championships while competing at an elite level. The university also boasts numerous individual honors for its players over time, including several Heisman Trophy winners such as Drew Brees and Bob Griese, plus many All-Americans across multiple sports like football's Rod Woodson or basketball's Glenn Robinson III.
In addition to all this success on paper, Purdue stands out from other schools' passionate fan base that bleeds black and gold through thick and thin - regardless of how good or bad their team may be doing at any given moment. This loyalty helps create an atmosphere that can't be matched anywhere else when it comes to attending games; whether it’s watching football at Ross–Ade Stadium, catching baseball action inside Alexander Field, or cheering on volleyball matches inside Holloway Gymnasium - you can feel just how much these fans love their school by simply being there!
So if you're looking for a great place with plenty of tradition behind it where you know your support will always be appreciated, look no further than rooting for your favorite Big Ten team: The mighty Purdue Boilermakers!
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