![]() “On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and Flames fans everywhere, we are fired up to join the Missouri Valley Conference and look forward to representing UIC and The Valley with distinction beginning next year.” “Today marks the beginning of a new era for UIC and Flames Athletics and the most significant single event in our history since announcing the transition to NCAA Division I 40 years ago,” said Lipitz. In 2020-21, the Flames were crowned the Horizon League’s Women’s All-Sport champions on the strength of conference titles in tennis and softball, as well as runner-up finishes in swimming and diving and volleyball. Over the last five seasons, UIC men’s soccer, baseball, women’s tennis, softball, and volleyball have all won conference titles, and four of the five programs have collected multiple championships and postseason bids. In addition, 20 Flames have achieved All-America status, 82 have earned recognition as Player of the Year, and 55 coaches have been honored as Coach of the Year. Since earning Division I status in 1981, UIC has amassed 75 conference championships and made 47 NCAA postseason appearances. This is a tremendous step in the evolution of our athletics programs, and one that we are thrilled to embrace moving forward as we provide opportunities for our student-athletes to not only compete, but to succeed at the highest levels.” “The Valley is a conference that is not only rich in tradition with a storied history of success, but it aligns UIC with other like-minded institutions that share in our vision for the future of higher education and athletics. “As the University of Illinois Chicago continues to thrive on the local, national, and global stage, joining the Missouri Valley Conference is an honor for the Flames,” said Amiridis. The league’s existing membership includes a trio of Illinois schools in Bradley University, Illinois State University, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale, along with Drake University, University of Evansville, Indiana State University, Missouri State University, University of Northern Iowa, and Valparaiso University. The UIC Flames will be the MVC’s 12 th member institution, entering the conference for the 2022-23 academic year alongside fellow newcomers Belmont University and Murray State University. ![]() ![]() Amiridis and Director of Athletics Michael Lipitz jointly announced today. Valparaiso has won five Horizon League regular-season titles in the last six seasons, including a share this season under first-year coach Matt Lottich, as part of its basketball tradition that includes the Drew family-led 1998 Sweet 16 run in the NCAA tournament.The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), currently in its 40 th year of NCAA Division I competition, has accepted an invitation to join the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), effective July 1, 2022, UIC Chancellor Michael D. ![]() ![]() The impact on men's basketball has been the main consideration, in addition to the fit geographically, financially and institutionally. Still, none of those factors prevented the Missouri Valley from tapping the Crusaders in their second go-around. Some members of Valparaiso's board of directors had reservations about making the move to the MVC and several programs other than men's basketball - which has driven these conference realignments - expressed opposition, according to sources.Īlso, even though Valparaiso renovated lockers rooms and weight rooms among its upgrades four years ago, MVC officials still had concerns about the school's facilities, according to sources. Missouri State president Clif Smart tweeted: "The expansion committee will continue to meet for the next nine months to evaluate further expansion opportunities." ![]()
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