College Sports Established
1965
Location
Green Bay, Wisconsin
College Name
University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
Collegiate History
1982 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1994 - Present / Horizon League
1982 - 1994 / Mid-Continent Conference
Nickname
Phoenix - The Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix is a college competing in the NCAA since 1971. The school's nickname, "Phoenix," was inspired by its location near Lake Michigan and the many bird species found there. It symbolizes rebirth and renewal – just like how the university has continually evolved to become one of the top collegiate programs in America.
The story behind this unique name begins with an article written by former Green Bay Press-Gazette sports editor Jim Higgins in 1970 when he wrote about his idea for a new mascot for UWGB’s athletic teams: “Let’s call them phoenixes! A mythical bird which rises from its ashes every 500 years or so…a perfect symbol of our area which will rise again after each setback it faces." After reading this article, members of UWGB's administration adopted Higgins' suggestion as their official mascot and called their team “the Phoenix."
Since then, Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix have had plenty to be proud of on the court; they have made five appearances at March Madness tournaments (including two Sweet Sixteen berths), won four Horizon League regular season titles, three tournament championships, and even had two players drafted into NBA teams - Tony Bennett (Charlotte Hornets) & Ryan Evanovich (Sacramento Kings). This success can be attributed to hard work both on the court and off it - with alumni such as current Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer helping build strong ties between fans & players alike.
Overall, Wisconsin–Green Bay Phoenix is an exciting example of what can happen when you combine creative thinking with determination & passion – making them not only one of America's most successful collegiate basketball programs but also giving us all something great to cheer for!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1996
- 2011
- 2023
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Phoenix men’s NCAA Success
In 1982 the Green Bay men’s basketball team moved to NCAA Division 1 where it competed in the Association of Mid-Continent Universities (now the Summit League). Since 1994, Green Bay has been competing in the Horizon League. The Phoenix saw success in the early to mid-1990s, making their first NCAA appearance in 1991 and their first second round appearance in ... -
18 NCAA and Sweet 16
During the 2008/09-2012/13 seasons, the Green Bay women’s basketball team had the third highest winning-percentage in the NCAA Division I with a 175–21 mark trailing only Connecticut and Stanford. The Phoenix has the fifth-most wins in Division I during that same stretch. The Phoenix entered the 2017–18 season on a string of 40 consecutive winning seasons, with only Tennessee having ... -
Conference & Horizon Championship
The Green Bay Phoenix men’s soccer team is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I college soccer team. The men’s soccer team competes in the Horizon League of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. They have been to the NCAA tournament 03 times, most recently in 2023. They won Conference Tournament championships in 2009 & 2023. Also won the Conference Regular ...
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History of the Phoenix
Throughout their history, some of college basketball’s most significant names have represented Green Bay on court and off — including Hall-of-Famers such as Tony Bennett and Dick Bennett. They are also known for producing many outstanding players who went on to successful professional careers — most notably NBA All-Star Ray Allen. With all these accomplishments under its belt, it's no wonder why so many fans consider themselves diehard supporters of this great program!
As a proud member of both the Horizon League (since 1994) and Big East Conference (since 2020), Green Bay has consistently competed at a high level against some tough competition from across America’s Midwest region – often coming out victorious despite being significantly smaller than other teams they face off against each year. In addition to men's basketball, women's basketball has also enjoyed tremendous success since joining Division I play in 1995, making multiple appearances in both NCAA tournaments & WNIT tournaments throughout that period, too!
From passionate students cheering them on inside the Resch Center arena to alumni proudly wearing green & gold wherever life takes them after graduation - there is something special about being part of the Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix athletics family, making it easy for fans everywhere to share enthusiasm surrounding this historic team!
Sports Fan Products
