For Ben Wierzba, landing his first Division I head coaching job wasn't just about the title; it was a profound, emotional homecoming. "It means everything," Wierzba said, reflecting on the weight of the opportunity. That opportunity is now official, as he has been named the 12th head coach in University of Evansville women's basketball history, fresh off orchestrating a remarkable turnaround at Miami University.

This move to Evansville is a true full-circle moment for Wierzba, a place deeply woven into his personal and professional fabric. It's where he met his wife, Liz, over fifteen years ago, and where he spent three formative seasons as an assistant coach. "I've got a lot of pride for Evansville," he shared, noting that the passion for the program, instilled in him by mentors with deep ties to Purple Aces basketball, never faded. "When I got into the process, it just felt like home."

Wierzba arrives with a proven blueprint for success, honed during his three seasons as associate head coach at Miami. There, he was instrumental in one of the Mid-American Conference's top rebuilds. The RedHawks' record improved dramatically, culminating in a stellar 28-7 campaign in 2025-26 where they swept the MAC regular-season and tournament titles and danced in the NCAA Tournament. That championship pedigree and experience fostering a winning culture are exactly what Evansville will look to harness.

His vision is clear: to build a program with the same belief and buy-in he helped cultivate at Miami. As the Evansville community prepares for his official introduction, the excitement is palpable. For Coach Wierzba, it's more than a new job—it's a return to roots and the chance to write the next chapter of Purple Aces basketball where his own story began.