The theme from both individuals came down to one word — alignment.More: Evansville, Southern Indiana activity in basketball transfer portalMore: Robyn Scherr resigns as Evansville women's basketball coach after 5 seasonsAnd in Wierzba, the feeling is mutual. The Purple Aces found their match.“We have found our leader in coach Ben Wierzba,” Siegfried said.Siegfried went on to talk about Wierzba’s interactions with the community since arriving in Evansville on April 20. It gives the athletic director further reassurance that the university made the right decision.Belief is an important word for the university’s administration.

They not only see that in Wierzba as a coach, but more importantly, as a person.In the press conference, Wierzba thanked the four returning players from last season’s roster for their trust and loyalty. That consists of two Indiana natives in Avery Kelley and Kaiden Kreinhagen and two Spaniards in Mireia Mustaros and Daniela Llavero.The players were involved in the hiring process as candidates were being interviewed. Kelley and her teammates knew quickly that Wierzba was the favorite to be their next coach.“I’ll never forget his interview,” Kelley said.

“I walked in a little late from class and I saw him and he instantly popped a joke with me. Right as we walked out, I looked at my teammates and we just nodded. We knew he was the one.”As they sat in the front row watching on, Wierzba assured them that they would be a part of something special together at Evansville.

He is focused on setting a standard of winning and a commitment to excellence.Wierzba believes the Purple Aces can build on their historic run to the championship game of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. Still, Wierzba, who has been a part of successful programs during his previous stops at Mercer and Miami (OH), knows a turnaround will take time.“It’s going to be hard work,” Wierzba said. “It’s just getting the right mentality and right people in here, knowing we are going to win.”With the small roster size, Wierzba has already been at work trying to build it in full for next season.

He wants good basketball players in the program, but he also wants to bring in good people that fit the culture of what they are trying to accomplish.“I want the right people,” Wierzba said. “I want my daughters to have strong female role models to look up to.”And as far as putting together his coaching staff, similarly, that process is well underway.“It’s in progress,” Wierzba said with a chuckle. “I’ve talked with several people.

I’ve got one we’re going to be really excited about. I’m looking for loyalty and trust, just like with the players.”As much as it is a full-circle moment for Wierzba, even more significant is the fact that he met his wife Liz in his first stint coaching at Evansville. For the pair to be back in town, this time with three kids, is special to say the least.“Not many people get this opportunity,” Wierzba said.

“They’re resilient kids. I know they’re going to be good when they get here and meet people. You’ll see them running around like they own this place.”Wierzba ended his statements by thanking the Evansville community.

He, Siegfried and Pietruszkiewicz each highlighted the importance of having that connection established to make a real impact.Going forward, a lot remains uncertain for the Purple Aces. But what is certain is Wierzba’s readiness for an opportunity to lead Evansville women’s basketball to a point of sustained success on multiple fronts.Markos Tsegaye is a sports reporter for the Courier & Press. He can be reached at mtsegaye@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @10_Markos_.This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Ben Wierzba introduced as Evansville women's basketball head coach