MOSCOW, Idaho—The University of Idaho soccer program introduced a secondary shield logo on Monday. The shield will be placed on the team's warmup and practice gear, starting this fall and offers a unique identifier to the Idaho soccer program.
“Shields, crests and badges are very identifiable in soccer—across the world,” head coach Derek Pittman explained. “This is a great opportunity for us to create something that will make us stand out a little in the college soccer community, as far as our recruits are concerned.”
Pittman and his coaching staff worked alongside University Creative Services, Athletic Marketing and Idaho's Director of Athletics to create the design. The silver and gold shield predominantly features the traditional I-Vandal logo in the upper left and includes the year 1998, Idaho's inaugural soccer season, along the right. Three gold stripes run diagonal across the logo, leading to the silver silhouetted soccer ball in the shield's pointed end.
Shield Explained:
Idaho
“We wanted to make sure we stayed true to the Vandal logo and who we are at the University of Idaho. That is why the I-Vandal is a prominent piece of the shield.”
History
“We also wanted to be able to recognize the history of the program. We made sure to include the year 1998 indicating the establishment of our program. It also allows us to remember the coaches and players that have come through the program here and helped build such a strong history.”
Values
“The three stripes represent the core values of who we are as a women's soccer program. These are things that we demand of our players on a daily basis. The first stripe recognizes our grit, passion and pride. We always want to represent the Vandal Nation in a way that is going to make our fans proud. It is going to be noticeable in how we play and how we leave it all out on the field.
“The second stripe represents our family. We have created an atmosphere and environment within our program; in which our players feel very close and connected in the things we do on and off the field—as well as the close knit environment that our staff provides, extending to all our support staff.
“The last stripe for us is about excellence. When we talk about excellence we talk about giving your absolute best every day. In the classroom, on the field and in the community, representing our program the right way. There will be times we fail, but we pick ourselves back up and give our best the next time around.”
Plans for the shield logo to appear on scarves, shirts and other promotional material as the 2015 season approaches in the fall.
