University of Evansville President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz announced last week that Dr. Kenneth "Ziggy" Siegfried, Director of Athletics, has signed a contract extension that will keep him in the role through 2030.
Originally hired in the spring of 2022, Siegfried will now continue his leadership of Purple Aces Athletics under the new agreement.
"Dr. Siegfried's leadership has transformed our athletics department and energized both our campus and the wider Evansville community," said President Pietruszkiewicz. "I am confident in the direction he is leading us, one that prioritizes competitive excellence, elevates the student-athlete experience, and positions our Athletics programs for bold, strategic growth that reflects the spirit and ambition of our entire University."
Since arriving at UE, Siegfried has led the development and execution of the Pathway to Excellence strategic plan, a comprehensive vision that has elevated the profile of Aces Athletics across the board.
Additionally, Siegfried oversaw what is believed to be the largest gift in UE Athletics history. In May 2024, UE alum Kyle and Ashley Freeland announced a $3 million gift that secured the future of the Freeland Clubhouse, a transformational facility that will significantly enhance the baseball program's training and recruitment efforts. The Freeland's philanthropy serves as a pivotal component of the Pathway to Excellence plan.
Under Siegfried's leadership and guidance, UE student-athletes performed in the classroom, achieving the first and second highest cumulative GPAs in the history of the athletics department. In addition, the Aces have achieved notable success on the field and record-breaking engagement in the stands. Last summer, the baseball team delivered a season for the ages, capturing the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championship and earning its first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 2006. Their momentum did not stop there, and the Aces went on to win their NCAA Regional and advanced to the Super Regional for the first time in program history. This championship run not only captivated fans across the country but also helped drive the highest ticket and group/gate revenue in program history.
Men's soccer returned to prominence with a Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title and an NCAA Tournament berth for the first time since 1996. The program's success reignited campus pride and demonstrated the strength of student-athletes on a national stage. Meanwhile, men's basketball has seen a dramatic transformation under Head Coach David Ragland. In just his second year, the program more than tripled its win total from the prior season and secured its first postseason berth in nearly a decade. It stands as one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the country. This on-court progress, paired with Siegfried's strategic leadership, has also contributed to record-breaking attendance and renewed excitement in the stands.
Across its seventeen Division I sports, UE recorded its highest total ticket revenue in the past decade. Over a three-year period, Siegfried has also successfully hired new head coaches in men's basketball, volleyball, men's soccer, track and field, swim and dive, and softball.
Driving this momentum is a bold vision for the future. Siegfried spearheaded development of a comprehensive Athletics Facilities Master Plan which has already completed or is in the process of completing $7.6 million in capital projects. These include a $4.5 million baseball clubhouse, a $1.1 million turf softball field, a $1.2 million intramural and soccer practice field complex, enhancements to the basketball practice facilities for both men's and women's programs, an expanded baseball press box, and Phase I of a new Sports Performance Center.
Philanthropic support has surged under Siegfried's tenure, contributing to a more sustainable and competitive future for all athletic programs. His leadership has not only invigorated campus pride but also strengthened the University's bond with alumni, fans, and supporters throughout the Tri-State.
"I'm incredibly thankful to President Pietruszkiewicz, our Board of Trustees, and the entire University of Evansville community for their continued belief in our vision," said Siegfried. "It's been an honor to work alongside such dedicated student-athletes, coaches, and staff. I'm excited to keep building on our momentum and creating an athletics program that reflects the values and excellence of this institution."
The University's decision to extend Siegfried's contract ensures a strong, stable foundation as Purple Aces Athletics continues to grow its impact locally and nationally. |
