The University of Illinois Chicago's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics supports 18 NCAA Division I athletic programs comprised of 300+ student-athletes and 85+ coaches and staff members. Our nickname, the Flames, is a reference to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Our primary school colors are Fire Engine Red and Navy Pier Blue, the latter a nod to UIC's roots on Chicago's iconic Navy Pier at Lake Michigan. Since earning Division I status in 1981, UIC has amassed 75 conference championships and made 47 NCAA postseason appearances. In addition, 20 Flames have achieved All-America status, 83 have earned recognition as Player of the Year, and 55 coaches have been honored as Coach of the Year. UIC competes in the Missouri Valley Conference, a conference that features 12 public and private institutions that each have impressive academic reputations and a storied tradition of broad-based athletic programs. MVC members have won 15 national championships in the sports of men's basketball, baseball, cross country, and golf. The conference boasts 73 individual national champions. UIC stands alone as Chicago’s largest institution and only public research university. The 50,000 members of our campus community and our 285,000 living alumni embody the pride and spirit of our great city. We are, and will always remain, For Chicago!