October 21, 2025

Vanguard University Achieves NCAA Division II Membership

News Summary

Vanguard University has officially earned full NCAA Division II membership, effective for the 2025-26 academic year, marking a significant transition from NAIA affiliation. The university met NCAA compliance and operational benchmarks ahead of schedule, allowing them to bypass the final year. This change enhances athletic programs and student experiences, with teams now competing fully in the Pacific West Conference, gaining eligibility for national championships. The athletic programs, now bolstered by the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, aim to build a lasting legacy within NCAA sports.

Costa Mesa — Vanguard University has been granted full NCAA Division II membership, which will take effect for the 2025-26 academic year. This transition marks a significant change for the university, which has been affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) since 1986.

Approximately two years ago, Vanguard was provisionally approved for NCAA Division II status. Impressively, the university met all required NCAA compliance, academic, and operational benchmarks a year in advance, allowing for the waiver of the final year of a three-year transition period. This academic achievement underscores Vanguard’s commitment to enhancing its athletic programs and overall student experience.

The move to NCAA Division II aligns with the evolving landscape of small college athletics on the West Coast. Vanguard’s Athletic Director indicated that this transition reflects the university’s strategic vision for its athletic programs. Additionally, the opening of the Freed Center for Leadership and Service last fall has significantly supported this transition, providing new opportunities and resources for student-athletes.

During the most recent academic year, Vanguard teams participated in a Division II schedule; however, they were on probation and ineligible for postseason play. Notably, both the men’s soccer team and women’s basketball team would have qualified for the Division II playoffs had they been eligible, highlighting the competitive stature of Vanguard’s athletic programs.

The women’s basketball team, under the guidance of Coach Russ Davis, who is entering his 29th season, completed the previous season with an impressive record of 18-8 overall and 16-4 in the Pacific West Conference, finishing in second place. Davis, a four-time NAIA Coach of the Year, has a distinguished history in coaching and performance within the NAIA Championships, having led teams to several Fab Four appearances and winning the national championship in 2008.

With the completion of the transition to NCAA Division II, Vanguard’s athletic teams will now compete fully within the Pacific West Conference and will be eligible for national championships and postseason events. NCAA Division II sports at Vanguard will include baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, and women’s volleyball. Furthermore, the men’s volleyball team and men’s and women’s wrestling teams will compete in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. STUNT, women’s beach volleyball, and dance will seek championships outside of NCAA governance.

Senior Delaney Hill, a member of the women’s volleyball team, noted that players can expect a faster pace following the shift from NAIA to NCAA Division II. This transition has also positively impacted the athletics program’s brand, with the university reporting that gate revenue doubled last year as a result of its elevated profile.

In its aim to build a lasting legacy within the NCAA framework, Vanguard plans to expand its athletic offerings. The university will remain a part of the NAIA Golden State Athletic Conference for the upcoming school year before officially joining the PacWest in the fall of 2024. The PacWest is comprised of four-year institutions from California and Hawaii, including Concordia, Biola, and Azusa Pacific.

In the previous season, Vanguard’s men’s volleyball team celebrated an NAIA title, further solidifying the institution’s commitment to excellence in intercollegiate athletics. With full NCAA Division II membership on the horizon, Vanguard University is positioned to strengthen its athletic prowess and enhance the experience for student-athletes and fans alike as it embarks on this exciting new chapter.

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Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH

The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

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