September 2, 2025

Vanguard University Achieves NCAA Division II Membership

News Summary

Vanguard University has been granted full NCAA Division II membership, effective in the 2025-26 academic year. This transition, marking a significant shift from NAIA membership since 1986, aims to enhance the university’s athletics program and better align with college sports trends on the West Coast. Vanguard’s athletic teams have already been competing in NCAA Division II schedules, and the new membership is expected to improve recruiting and increase competitive opportunities for student-athletes.

Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has been granted full NCAA Division II membership, which will take effect during the 2025-26 academic year. This marks a significant transition for the university, which has been part of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) since 1986. The NCAA announced that Vanguard met all necessary compliance, academic, and operational benchmarks a year ahead of schedule, allowing the university to waive the final year of a three-year transition period.

The transition comes as Vanguard seeks to enhance its athletics program and align more closely with the evolving landscape of college athletics on the West Coast. Vanguard’s Athletic Director, Jeff Bussell, expressed enthusiasm for the change, emphasizing that NCAA Division II’s focus on the scholar-athlete model aligns with the university’s core values and goals.

As part of this new membership, Vanguard University has inaugurated the 61,000-square foot Freed Center for Leadership and Service, which will support and mark a new era for Lions athletics. The university’s teams had already participated in NCAA Division II schedules last year while under probation, as they were not yet eligible for postseason play. Notably, had they been eligible, the men’s soccer and women’s basketball teams would have qualified for the Division II playoffs last year.

The women’s basketball team, led by coach Russ Davis, who is entering his 29th season, finished the previous season with an 18-8 record and secured second place in the Pacific West Conference. Davis, who has received accolades including being a four-time NAIA Coach of the Year and leading his team to a national championship in 2008, is thrilled about the opportunity to compete in NCAA Division II.

Since transitioning to NCAA assessment, Vanguard’s athletic programs have seen significant growth, including a doubling of ticket sales over the past year, which is indicative of heightened interest and support for the athletic teams. The Lions are now fully competing in the PacWest Conference, granting them eligibility for postseason events and national championships. This shift is expected to positively impact recruitment efforts and improve competition at the university.

The NCAA Division II programs at Vanguard include 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 and women’s wrestling will compete in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, while STUNT, women’s beach volleyball, and dance will contest championships outside the NCAA framework.

Delaney Hill, a senior on the women’s volleyball team, noted the increased intensity and speed of the game as the transition to NCAA Division II occurs, as well as the opportunity to build a new legacy for the Lions. Last fall, the women’s volleyball team concluded their season with a 13-11 overall record and a 10-10 record in the Pacific West Conference, showcasing the team’s potential leading into the upcoming transition.

This transition to NCAA Division II is seen as an essential step forward for Vanguard University, fostering an environment that aligns educational and athletic achievements while expanding opportunities for its student-athletes in a competitive landscape.

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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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