"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 12th member institution, entering the conference for the 2022-23 academic year alongside fellow newcomers Belmont University and Murray State University. All of us in Panther Athletics stand ready to assist the Flames as they transition to the MVC." "Our league has already developed a strong following in the Chicago area, and it will be exciting for us to continue competing in one of the nation's premier cities. "We are excited to welcome the University of Illinois Chicago to the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC)," said UNI Director of Athletics David Harris. Amiridis and Director of Athletics Michael Lipitz jointly announced today. CHICAGO – The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), currently in its 40th 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.
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