Ben Wierzba re-introduces himself to Evansville as women's basketball coach

EVANSVILLE — Ben Wierzba was introduced as the 12th coach in the University of Evansville women’s basketball history on April 24 inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse. It was an emotional day for Wierzba surrounded by family and friends. He is making his return to Evansville after being an assistant with the men’s team from 2007 to 2010 under hall of fame coach Marty Simmons.

Evansville athletic director Dr. Ziggy Siegfried and President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz opened the press conference talking about the factors they were looking for in a prospective coach during the hiring process. The theme from both individuals came down to one word — alignment.

More: Evansville, Southern Indiana activity in basketball transfer portal More: Robyn Scherr resigns as Evansville women's basketball coach after 5 seasons And in Wierzba, the feeling is mutual. The Purple Aces found their match. “We have found our leader in coach Ben Wierzba,” Siegfried said.

Siegfried went on to talk about Wierzba’s interactions with the community since arriving in Evansville on April 20. It gives the athletic director further reassurance that the university made the right decision. Belief is an important word for the university’s administration.