The Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix athletic program, home to the Phoenix, has earned recognition in NCAA competition. Fans proudly support Green Bay Phoenix basketball and Green Bay Phoenix soccer, both of which have built strong traditions. With history, passion, and talent, Wisconsin Green Bay continues to inspire athletes and bring excitement to college sports.
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.
Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix Origin
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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Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix
The Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix athletic program has built a proud tradition since its founding in 1969. Over the decades, the Phoenix have grown into one of the most respected programs in the Horizon League, especially through their heated rivalry with the Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers. Fans of Green Bay Phoenix basketball and Green Bay Phoenix soccer continue to carry this tradition with passion.
The rise of Green Bay Phoenix basketball has been particularly notable. The men’s program became nationally recognized under head coaches Dick Bennett and his son Tony Bennett, who laid the foundation for a competitive and disciplined team style. Their leadership helped the Phoenix earn multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Notable alumni include Jeff Nordgaard and Keifer Sykes, who carried the Green Bay name into professional basketball careers.
Women’s basketball has been the program’s crown jewel. Since joining Division I in 1987, the women’s team has captured more than 20 Horizon League titles and made numerous NCAA Tournament runs, often finishing as one of the top mid-major programs in the country. This consistent dominance has made Wisconsin Green Bay one of the most respected women’s basketball programs nationwide.
Beyond basketball, Green Bay Phoenix soccer has also played a vital role in shaping the school’s athletic identity. The men’s soccer team earned Horizon League titles and NCAA appearances, while the women’s program has steadily built a competitive presence. Other sports, including softball, volleyball, and swimming, have added to the Phoenix’s well-rounded success in collegiate athletics.
Phoenix Achievements
The Phoenix achievements reflect their resilience. In men’s basketball, the program has reached multiple NCAA Tournaments, with standout victories that put them on the national stage. The women’s team has been ranked in the Top 25 and has advanced deep into March Madness, cementing their place in mid-major basketball history.
With Horizon League championships across different sports and the continued development of Green Bay Phoenix basketball and Green Bay Phoenix soccer, the Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix athletic program remains a symbol of excellence. Fans, alumni, and student-athletes take pride in representing the Phoenix, carrying forward a legacy built on determination, discipline, and success.
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