By Whitney Spencer

When you think of University of Louisville athletics, what comes to mind? Success? Thrills? These words, and so many more, define Cardinal sports. Welcome to The Louisville Cardinal sports section. We’re happy to have you here.
Since joining the Big East in 2005, the Cardinals have been nationally known as traditional powers in men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, cheerleading and dance team. Though currently rebuilding, our football team has gained much national attention since 2001, with championship finishes in 2006 and 2007, and hopes of another one here in 2009.
You want to know a little about the Cardinals’ success? Since 2000, the Cards have been one of two teams in the NCAA to win a BCS bowl game, appear in a men’s basketball Final Four, the College Baseball World Series and the women’s basketball Final Four and national title game. Let’s not forget the national championships in track and field, co-ed cheerleading and dance team.
With 25 intercollegiate sports, the University of Louisville is one of the premier college towns in the country. Popularity for every sport has been growing rapidly in recent years. Since 2005, the Cardinal athletic teams have earned eight regular season Big East titles and 16 Big East tournament titles. With top recruiting classes in numerous sports, we are sure to see more to come in the near future.
The word thrill defines athletics here at the University of Louisville. After receiving a disappointing third seed in the NCAA tournament last season, the women’s basketball team made the march to the arch in St. Louis for the Final Four. In memorable fashion, the women defeated Oklahoma in the semi-finals and fell just short of a national title against Connecticut in the next game. How many teams go from an expected first round exit to the national title game? Only the Cardinals can.
Need more proof? In dramatic fashion, the men’s soccer team scored the game-winning goal in the 95th minute of action to defeat the third-ranked University of Notre Dame Irish 2-1 last season. In the 89th minute, the Cardinals tied to force the overtime period. With that win, Notre Dame’s seven-game unbeaten streak and its 15-game Big East regular season unbeaten streak ended. Less than a week later, the Cards added a little more excitement, knocking off second-ranked St. John’s University. How many teams can give you such dramatic thrills in just a week? Only the Cardinals can.
As you pull out your Card Shirt, be sure to wear it with pride. Because you are a Louisville Cardinal and there is nothing better. While the 2009 sports season is already underway, prepare for some of the best Cardinal sports you’ve seen. We’re ready. Are you? Welcome to Thrillville.