News Summary
Vanguard University has officially secured its full NCAA Division II membership status, set to begin in the 2025-26 academic year. Following a successful provisional membership, Vanguard’s athletic programs exceeded compliance benchmarks early, allowing for an expedited transition from NAIA. Athletic Director Jeff Bussell expressed optimism for this change, which coincides with the opening of the new Freed Center for Leadership and Service. As Vanguard prepares for national competition, the transition aims to enhance recruitment and competitiveness across all sports programs.
Costa Mesa: Vanguard University Secures Full NCAA Division II Membership for 2025-26
Vanguard University has officially been notified of its full NCAA Division II membership status, set to commence in the 2025-26 academic year. This significant advancement follows a period of provisional NCAA membership that began in 2021, allowing the institution to prepare for the transition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), a league Vanguard has been part of since 1986.
The transition marks a pivotal change for Vanguard’s athletic program, which exceeded all NCAA compliance, academic, and operational benchmarks one year ahead of schedule. As a result, the NCAA waived the final year of the standard three-year transition period, enabling Vanguard teams to benefit from full membership sooner than anticipated.
Jeff Bussell, the Athletic Director at Vanguard, expressed enthusiasm regarding this transition, emphasizing that it aligns with the evolving landscape of small college athletics on the West Coast. The move to NCAA Division II coincides with the opening of the 61,000-square foot Freed Center for Leadership and Service last fall, designed to enhance the student-athlete experience and overall campus life.
Eligibility and Competition
During the previous academic year, Vanguard’s teams competed under a NCAA Division II schedule while on probation, rendering them ineligible for postseason play. Bussell noted that both the men’s soccer and women’s basketball teams would have qualified for playoffs if they had been eligible. The men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, cross-country, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, and women’s volleyball teams are among the sports programs making the jump to NCAA Division II. Additionally, men’s volleyball and wrestling are set to compete in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, while STUNT, women’s beach volleyball, and dance will pursue championships independently of the NCAA.
Coaches and athletes are optimistic about the new challenges posed by the transition. The women’s basketball team, under the leadership of coach Russ Davis—a four-time NAIA Coach of the Year—finished the last season with an impressive record of 18-8 overall and 16-4 in the Pacific West Conference. This transition is expected to enhance recruitment efforts and competitiveness across all athletic programs.
The Freed Center and Facilities
The Freed Center, which was funded through a combination of $10 million from the Freed family and a total of $16 million raised for its construction, serves as a state-of-the-art facility for student-athletes. The center features advanced training equipment, a dedicated weight room, training spaces, and specialized labs for kinesiology studies, supporting both athletic performance and academic initiatives.
Future Prospects
As Vanguard prepares for its fully-fledged NCAA Division II membership, the university will remain in the NAIA Golden State Athletic Conference for the upcoming school year. The PacWest Conference, which includes primarily California and Hawaii-based institutions, will provide a competitive environment for Vanguard’s athletic teams. The transition is expected to usher in a new era for Vanguard athletics, empowering teams to compete on a national level, and enhancing the overall experience for athletes and supporters alike.
The move toward NCAA Division II signifies Vanguard’s commitment to fostering growth through athletics while offering enhanced opportunities for its student-athletes. This transition represents a significant milestone in the university’s history and sets the stage for its future successes in collegiate sports.
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Additional Resources
- LA Times: Vanguard University Granted Full NCAA Division II Membership
- Wikipedia: NCAA Division II
- Island Packet: Local News on Vanguard University
- Google Search: Vanguard University NCAA Division II
- OC Register: Vanguard University Shifting to NCAA Division II
- Google Scholar: Vanguard University athletics
- Long Beach State: Men’s Volleyball vs Vanguard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA
- UCLA Bruins: Men’s Volleyball vs Vanguard
- Google News: Vanguard University athletics
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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