Hi Basketball Fans! It’s never too early to get ready for the March Madness season. The Florida Gulf Coast University has a vibrant history with significant milestones. The university’s basketball history began with the university’s transition from a small program to NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), marking a rapid rise for the program. Both the men’s and women’s teams have since established themselves as competitive forces in the NCAA Conference leading them to the national stage, punctuated by historic tournament runs and academic success.
The university’s charter was signed in 1991, but students did not begin attending classes until 1997. Then the basketball teams practiced on outdoor courts, and the coach’s office was in a trailer. The men’s basketball athletic program began as a NAIA team which transferred to an NCAA Division II team. On August 11, 2011, the men’s and women’s teams became full NCAA Conference Division I members. The Eagles were on their way!
At first and despite having no experience as a team, the men’s Eagles opened their first season against Old Dominion and won. Then they won their next game, and the next, and continued winning until St. Francis of Indiana handed them their first loss. That was the last loss of the season. The Eagles went on to win the remaining games that season with a 30-1 record!
The Eagles women’s team also has consistently performed well in conference play and has made multiple NCAA appearances.
The men’s team won national attention during their Cinderella run in the 2013 NCAA tournament by reaching the Sweet 16, becoming the FIRST 15-seed to achieve this feat.
If you happened to live in Ft. Myers at that time, you might remember the Ft. Myers News-Press with their enormous, bold headlines celebrating the event. The student body created a cheering dance rally on the beach that went viral!
Join the fun this season for some good college basketball, and GO EAGLES!
The Men’s and Women’s Eagles teams open the season November 2, 2026 through February 27, 2027 at Alico Arena (unless the Eagles fly into the post season March Madness again!!!!)!).
For more information call 866-243-8849, or 239-590-7145 or search online at [email protected].
