News Summary
Vanguard University has been granted full membership in NCAA Division II, effective for the 2025-26 academic year. This change marks a significant shift from NAIA membership, which the university has held since 1986. The expedited transition reflects the university’s compliance with NCAA standards and is expected to enhance athletic opportunities and competition for student-athletes, notably with the opening of the Freed Center for Leadership and Service. Vanguard’s teams can now compete at full capacity in the PacWest Conference and participate in seasonal championships.
Costa Mesa—Vanguard University has been granted full membership in NCAA Division II, set to take effect for the 2025-26 academic year. This significant transition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), in which the university has been a member since 1986, marks a vital milestone in the school’s athletic program.
Two years prior, Vanguard received provisional approval for NCAA Division II status, which has been solidified by the NCAA’s decision to waive the final year of a three-year transition period. The university met all required compliance, academic, and operational benchmarks one year ahead of schedule, facilitating a rapid move into full NCAA membership.
Jeff Bussell, the Athletic Director at Vanguard, indicated that this transition aligns with the evolving landscape of small college athletics on the West Coast. He highlighted that the shift to NCAA Division II would usher in a new era for Vanguard athletics, coinciding with the recent opening of the Freed Center for Leadership and Service.
Over the previous academic year, Vanguard teams competed under NCAA Division II regulations, but they were ineligible for postseason play due to probationary status. Had they been eligible, both the men’s soccer and women’s basketball teams had substantial chances for playoff qualifications. In fact, the women’s basketball team finished their inaugural season in NCAA Division II with an impressive overall record of 18-8 and a conference record of 16-4, which ranked them second in the Pacific West Conference.
The transition not only allows Vanguard teams to become full competitors in the PacWest Conference but also makes them eligible for seasonal championships and other postseason events. This shift is expected to enhance recruiting opportunities and elevate overall competition for student-athletes. Following the announcement of the NCAA membership, ticket sales for games doubled compared to the previous year, showcasing a positive response from the community and avid sports fans.
The NCAA Division II teams at Vanguard include sports such as baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, and women’s volleyball. The men’s volleyball team and both men’s and women’s wrestling teams will compete within the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, while other programs like STUNT, women’s beach volleyball, and dance will participate outside NCAA championships.
Students entering the volleyball program have remarked on the quicker pace typical of NCAA Division II competition compared to NAIA, displaying eagerness to engage with the new challenges surrounded by heightened athletic standards.
Vanguard University has also celebrated the recent opening of the 61,000-square-foot Freed Center for Leadership and Service, which is designed to support various athletic and kinesiology programs. The Freed Center is equipped with advanced facilities, including a human performance lab, a motion analysis lab, and training rooms that feature water therapy tubs. This infrastructure promotes not just athletic performance but also education and training for students.
The kinesiology department at Vanguard is thriving, with approximately 220 majors enrolled, many of whom aspire to careers in health-related fields. The transition to NCAA Division II is viewed as a strategic decision to foster regional rivalries while improving scheduling and travel logistics for athletic teams.
As Vanguard gears up for its upcoming NCAA Division II membership, excitement grows within the university community, setting the stage for elevated athletic and academic experiences in the years to come.
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Vanguard University Opens New Freed Center for Leadership and Service
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Vanguard University Launches Headwind Scholars Program
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Granted Full NCAA Division II Membership
- Wikipedia: NCAA Division II
- Orange County Register: Vanguard University Shifting to NCAA Division II
- Google Search: Vanguard University NCAA
- Long Beach State: Men’s Volleyball No. 1 Long Beach State Remains Undefeated
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA
- Chimes Newspaper: Eagles vs. Lions
- Google News: Vanguard University
- MSU Bobcats: Women’s Track and Field Announces 2024-2025 Newcomers
- Google Scholar: NCAA Division II
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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