News Summary
Vanguard University has officially achieved full NCAA Division II membership, allowing its athletic teams to compete for national championships. This milestone comes after a two-year provisional period, during which Vanguard met all compliance benchmarks ahead of schedule. Athletic Director Jeff Bussell noted that this transition aligns with the evolving landscape of small college athletics. The university’s expanded athletics program includes a variety of sports and aims to enhance recruitment opportunities, foster competitive spirit, and improve overall reputation in collegiate sports.
Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has officially been granted full NCAA Division II membership, effective at the start of the 2025-26 academic year. This milestone follows a two-year provisional period that began when the university made its application to join the NCAA, transitioning from its previous affiliation with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), where it had been a member since 1986.
Vanguard’s swift transition into Division II has been facilitated by meeting NCAA compliance, academic, and operational benchmarks a year ahead of schedule, which allowed the NCAA to waive the final year of the standard three-year transition period. With this new status, Vanguard University teams can now compete for postseason events and national championships.
Vanguard Athletic Director Jeff Bussell emphasized that moving to NCAA Division II aligns with the evolving landscape of small college athletics on the West Coast. This transition coincides with the recent completion of the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, a new state-of-the-art facility that spans 61,000 square feet.
Throughout the past year, Vanguard’s athletic 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 the women’s basketball team would have qualified for playoff positions had they been eligible. The women’s basketball team, under the direction of a four-time NAIA Coach of the Year, concluded their inaugural season in Division II with a commendable 18-8 overall record and 16-4 in the Pacific West Conference.
As part of their NCAA Division II membership, Vanguard teams now fully compete in the Pacific West Conference, which allows greater participation opportunities and potential for improved recruiting efforts. This shift is already showing signs of positive reception, as evidenced by a notable increase in ticket sales throughout the university’s athletic events.
Vanguard’s expanded athletics program in NCAA Division II includes a variety of sports such as baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, and women’s volleyball. Additionally, men’s volleyball and men’s/women’s wrestling will compete in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. However, it is important to note that certain sports, including STUNT, women’s beach volleyball, and dance, are not included in the NCAA framework.
Students and team members have expressed enthusiasm about the transition. Senior Delaney Hill from the women’s volleyball team, which finished last season with a 13-11 record and a 10-10 standing in the Pacific West Conference, highlighted the excitement surrounding the opportunity to compete at a higher level.
The NCAA Division II membership is expected to enhance not only the competitive spirit of Vanguard athletics but also its ability to recruit talented athletes, ultimately contributing to the university’s growth and reputation in collegiate sports.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Vanguard University Launches Headwind Scholars Program
Vanguard University Granted NCAA Division II Membership
Vanguard University Launches Headwind Scholars Program
Vanguard University Launches Patty Arvielo School of Business
Vanguard University Unveils New Athletic Facility
Vanguard University Achieves Full NCAA Division II Membership
Vanguard University Launches Headwind Scholars for Foster Youth
Traci Green Appointed Assistant Superintendent in Huntington Beach
Santa Margarita Catholic High School Named State School of the Year
Vanguard University Unveils New Freed Center for Leadership and Service
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Granted Full NCAA Division II Membership
- Orange County Register: Vanguard University Shifting to NCAA Division II
- USC Trojans: No. 5 USC Men’s Volleyball Opens MPSF Play With Newcomer Vanguard
- University of Washington: Steve Astor’s Profile
- Island Packet: Local Sports News
- Wikipedia: NCAA Division II
- Google Search: Vanguard University sports
- Google Scholar: Vanguard University NCAA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA Division II
- Google News: Vanguard University athletics
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.
