Ben Wierzba has been hired as the 12th head coach in Evansville Women’s Basketball program history, UE Director of Athletics Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried announced Thursday afternoon.
A public introduction will take place on Friday, April 24 at 2 p.m. inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse.
“This is a new day for Aces Women’s Basketball,” said Siegfried. “Ben Wierzba is a proven leader who has been part of building a championship program, and more importantly, he is someone who cares deeply about student-athletes. When I offered him the position, his emotion said everything about how much this opportunity means to him. He understands Evansville, he values relationships and accountability, and he is ready to make an immediate impact on our program and in our community.”
In a coaching career that has spanned 25 years across nine different institutions, Wierzba has established a track record of success. Wierzba’s most recent stop came as the associate head coach at Miami University, where he helped orchestrate a turnaround that culminated in MAC Regular Season and Tournament titles and an NCAA Tournament berth in 2025-26.
No stranger to the University of Evansville, Wierzba served as an assistant coach for the Purple Aces’ men’s basketball program from 2007-10.
“The University of Evansville holds a truly special place in my heart,” said Wierzba. “I spent three meaningful years here early in my career over 15 years ago, and it’s also where I met my wife—so this opportunity feels incredibly full circle for our family. I’m grateful for the chance to return and lead the women’s basketball program. We’re ready to hit the ground running, build strong relationships, and develop a culture that competes at a high level. I’m excited to get to work and build this into a winning program that our players, university, and community can be proud of.”
In three seasons in Oxford, Wierzba helped the Redhawks to a record of 56-39, including a 33-21 mark in the MAC. In 2024-25, Wierzba helped guide Miami to a 10-win improvement and an appearance in the WNIT. This past season, the Redhawks were one of the top mid-major teams in the country, going 28-7 with a 16-2 record in MAC play, earning a 13 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Redhawks finished the season ranked eighth in the Mid Major Top 25 poll.
Prior to his time at Miami, Wierzba served as an assistant coach at Mercer University, where he helped the Bears become mainstays in the NCAA Tournament. From 2015-2023, Wierzba helped Mercer post a record of 166-80 with an 87-24 record in the Southern Conference. The Bears won five SoCon Regular Season and four SoCon Tournament titles from 2015-22, making four NCAA Tournament appearances and two appearances in the WNIT. From February 24, 2017 to March 2, 2019, Mercer won 34 consecutive regular season SoCon games. During his time in Georgia, Wierzba mentored five SoCon Players of the Year, four SoCon Defensive Players of the Year, two SoCon Freshmen of the Year, one Academic All-American, and one WNBA Draft selection.
Before arriving at Mercer, Wierzba spent one season as an assistant men’s basketball coach at SIU Edwardsville in 2014-15, where he helped the Cougars to their most Division I and Ohio Valley Conference wins in program history at the time.
Wierzba’s first head coaching job came as the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Illinois Springfield from 2010-14. In Springfield, Wierzba guided the Prairie Stars through their transition to NCAA Division II and the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Wierzba took the team to three consecutive GLVC Tournaments from 2012-14 and mentored one All-GLVC First Team selection, two All-GLVC Second Team selections, and two GLVC All-Defensive Team selections.
Prior to his time at UIS, Wierzba made stops as an assistant men’s basketball coach at North Dakota, St. Joseph’s College, Army, Lewis, SIUE, and Evansville.
As a student-athlete, Wierzba was an All-Region 24 selection at Lake Land College before helping South Alabama reach the NCAA Tournament in 1998 and earning All-GLVC honors at SIUE in 1998-99.
Wierzba and his wife, Liz, have three children, Addy, Livvy and Eli.
What others have to say about Coach Wierzba:
“Ben Wierzba is one of the most caring and dedicated coaches I’ve ever worked with. Ben’s love for teaching and mentoring young people is second to none. Having worked at Evansville in the past, he has a true understanding of what Evansville Basketball represents.” – Marty Simmons, Eastern Illinois Head Men’s Basketball Coach and UE Athletics Hall of Famer
“First and foremost, Ben is a man of impeccable character. He is a tremendous teacher and a coach who truly and sincerely cares for his players, both short and long term. I am extremely excited for Ben and the fans of Evansville, it’s a great match. Go Aces!” – Jim Crews, UE Athletics Hall of Fame Head Coach
“Ben is a proven championship coach, and I don’t expect anything short of that now for Evansville! Congrats, Evansville!” – Glenn Box, Miami University Head Women’s Basketball Coach
“Ben is a perfect fit for the University of Evansville. He is a proven winner, has a great basketball mind, and has great instincts for the game. His players will sense his passion everyday they walk into the court and will be a reflection of him with his tireless work ethic. In addition to his basketball knowledge, he is a great husband, father and role model. Ben will make an immediate impact in the community and at the University. Congratulations to the entire Wierzba family. This is a GREAT hire and well deserved!” – Susie Gardner, University of Florida Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach and former Mercer University Head Women’s Basketball Coach
