Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Fort Wayne Mastodons are a collegiate athletics program that competes at the NCAA Division I level. The Mastodons field teams in 16 sports which include basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, track and field, cross country, golf, tennis, softball, swimming and diving.
History
The Fort Wayne Mastodons were founded in 1947 as an independent program known as the Purdue–Indiana Intercollegiate Athletic Association (PIIAA). In 1980, the athletic program became a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and in 2001, it moved up to NCAA Division II competition. In 2007, the university made a decision to move to Division I and joined The Summit League.
Basketball
The Fort Wayne Mastodons have a successful basketball program with both men’s and women’s teams competing at the Division I level. The men’s team has been coached by Jon Coffman since 2014. In the 2016-2017 season, the men’s team finished with a record of 20-13 and reached the quarterfinals of the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. The women’s team is coached by Niecee Nelson who was appointed as head coach in 2018. Prior to her appointment, Nelson had served as assistant coach for the team since 2015.
Other Sports
The Fort Wayne Mastodons also compete in other sports such as baseball, volleyball, soccer, track and field, cross country, golf, tennis, swimming and diving, and softball. These teams have all enjoyed success in their respective competitions, continually striving to achieve excellence and represent the Mastodons with pride.
Facilities
The Fort Wayne Mastodons’ main athletic facilities are Hilliard Gates Sports Center, located on the main campus, and the Ian Rolland Field and Riverfront Stadium, located on the St. Joseph River in downtown Fort Wayne. Hilliard Gates Sports Center serves as a home for the basketball, volleyball and swimming and diving teams while Ian Rolland Field and Riverfront Stadium is the home of the Mastodons’ baseball team.
Conclusion
As one of the preeminent NCAA Division I programs in the Midwest, the Fort Wayne Mastodons have built up a proud history spanning over seven decades. With a passion for success coupled with a strong commitment to academic excellence, the Mastodons continue to make a name for themselves in collegiate athletics. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, or any other sport they compete in, the Mastodons are sure to represent their university with honor and pride.