The Wisconsin Milwaukee Panthers have built a strong tradition in collegiate athletics, earning recognition through consistent success. With programs like Milwaukee Panthers basketball leading the way and a passionate fan base filling the Milwaukee Panthers arena, the school continues to thrive in the Horizon League and beyond.
College Sports Established
1956
Location
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
College Name
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Collegiate History
1994 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1994 - Present / Horizon League
Nickname
Panthers - The Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers have a long and storied history that dates back to the early 1900s. The team's nickname, however, has an even longer and more interesting origin story. To understand the origins of this iconic nickname, we must first look at how it came about in the first place.
Wisconsin Milwaukee Panthers Origin
In 1895, Milwaukee Normal School opened its doors as one of many normal schools across Wisconsin dedicated to training teachers for public schools in rural areas throughout the state. In 1909, Milwaukee Normal School was renamed State Teachers College - Milwaukee (STC). That same year, STC adopted a mascot: a panther! This is where our beloved Panthers’ name originated – making them one of only two NCAA Division I teams with “Panthers” as their official moniker (the other being Pittsburgh).
From there on, STC became known as "The Panthers" or simply "UWM." As time went on, UWM changed its name several times before settling on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1956; however, they never lost sight of their original Panther mascot, which is why today we still refer to them proudly by their original title: The UWM Panthers!
While some may think that having such an intimidating animal like a panther for your school's mascot might be off-putting, if you ask any die-hard fan, they will tell you just how fiercely loyal these fans are towards their team no matter what kind of game day experience awaits them at every home game! So whether it be basketball season or hockey season, make sure you wear your Panther colors proudly because, after all, when it comes down to it nothing beats cheering alongside fellow devoted fans who share your passion for sports and loyalty towards our beloved University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee athletic program...GO PANTHERS!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1989
- 1999
- 2002
- 2006
- 2011
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Postseason Success Beyond NCAA
In 1987, the program moved to NCAA Division II where it won its regional in the 1989 NCAA Division II men’s basketball tournament, advancing to the contest’s Elite Eight. Since 1990, Milwaukee Men’s Basketball has competed in NCAA Division I. They played in the Mid-Continent Conference for one year in 1993–94 before joining the Midwestern Collegiate Conference, which became the ... -
Historic Win Over Regional Host
The Panthers are the only Division I college baseball team in the state of Wisconsin. They have also qualified for four NCAA tournaments since 1999, most notably recording an 8–4 win over regional host Rice in the first round of the 1999 NCAA tournament. They also appeared in the 2001, 2002, and 2010 tournaments. -
Four Straight Second Round Advances
The Milwaukee men’s soccer team has made six NCAA tournaments since 2002, including four straight where they advanced to the second round. In the 2004 and 2005 tournaments, the Panthers lost to the top team in the country in the second round: 2004 against UC Santa Barbara in double-overtime and 2005 against New Mexico on penalty kicks. -
Double Conference Titles
The Milwaukee women’s basketball team began as a founding member of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women in 1972 before moving with the rest of the university sports to NAIA in 1982. The Panthers made their first NCAA tournament appearance at any level with the 2001 NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament, appearing again in 2006. The Panthers have ... -
12 Horizon League Titles
Milwaukee’s women’s soccer team has won the Horizon League tournament and 12 times since 1997 and has made the NCAA tournament 16 times since then, including six straight from 2008 to 2013. The Panthers have also made every NCAA tournament since 2018, winning two tournament matches in that span. Milwaukee’s highest end-of-season ranking is 23, which they achieved in 2011 ...
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Wisconsin Milwaukee Panthers History
The Wisconsin Milwaukee Panthers have built a proud and respected tradition in college athletics. From their early years as an NAIA program to competing at the NCAA Division I level, the Milwaukee Panthers have consistently shown determination and talent. Their rivalry with the Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix has fueled memorable matchups that continue to excite fans every season.
The athletic program first began in 1956, when the university fielded competitive teams across multiple sports. By the late 1960s and 1970s, the Panthers gained attention in regional competition before making the leap to NCAA Division I in 1990. This move positioned the Wisconsin Milwaukee Panthers to compete on a bigger stage, particularly in basketball and soccer.
The program’s basketball history gained national attention in the early 2000s under coach Bruce Pearl. During this era, the Milwaukee Panthers basketball team made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a memorable run to the Sweet 16 in 2005. This success helped put the program on the national map and proved that UWM could compete with powerhouse schools across the country.
Beyond basketball, other sports such as soccer, track and field, and swimming have built solid reputations. The university has also invested heavily in the Milwaukee Panthers arena, ensuring athletes have a modern venue while giving fans an incredible place to support their teams. This commitment to facilities and athletic development has made UWM a respected member of the Horizon League.
Panthers Achievements
Over the years, the Wisconsin Milwaukee Panthers have celebrated conference championships in both men’s and women’s sports. The Milwaukee Panthers basketball program, in particular, remains the centerpiece of UWM athletics, producing professional players and keeping the team competitive within the Horizon League. The Milwaukee Panthers arena continues to serve as a hub of excitement, hosting high-energy games filled with loyal supporters in black and gold.
The legacy of the Wisconsin Milwaukee Panthers goes beyond wins and titles. It represents perseverance, community pride, and the drive to compete at the highest level. With continued growth and passionate support, the Panthers look poised to add even more achievements to their history, cementing their place as one of the most competitive programs in the Midwest.
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