News Summary
Vanguard University is set to gain full NCAA Division II membership starting in the 2025-26 academic year. Having transitioned from NAIA after meeting compliance requirements ahead of schedule, the university marks a new chapter in its athletic journey. The decision underscores its commitment to enhance athletic programs and grow small college athletics on the West Coast. While teams participated in a full NCAA schedule last year under probation, they now look forward to joining the PacWest Conference in 2024 and expanding opportunities for student-athletes.
Costa Mesa – Vanguard University has been granted full NCAA Division II membership, effective for the 2025-26 academic year, marking a significant milestone in the university’s athletic journey. Previously a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) since 1986, Vanguard received provisional approval for NCAA Division II status two years ago.
The university successfully met all NCAA compliance, academic, and operational benchmarks a year ahead of schedule, which led to the waiver of the final year of a three-year transition period. This decision reflects the institution’s commitment to enhancing its athletic programs and the landscape of small college athletics on the West Coast.
Vanguard’s athletic teams have taken significant steps toward this transition, having played a full NCAA Division II schedule last year while under probation, rendering them ineligible for postseason play. If eligibility had been granted, the men’s soccer team and women’s basketball team would have qualified for the Division II playoffs based on their performance.
The transition aligns with the recent inauguration of the 61,000-square foot Freed Center for Leadership and Service, which serves as a state-of-the-art facility for athletically inclined students. The progress in the athletic program, including ticket sales that have doubled since the announcement of provisional membership, has been noted as an important aspect of Vanguard’s growth.
Vanguard’s NCAA Division II teams will encompass a variety of sports, including baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, and women’s volleyball. Additionally, men’s volleyball and wrestling are set to compete within the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, while other sports like STUNT, women’s beach volleyball, and dance will engage in competitions outside of NCAA regulations.
Specific coaches have expressed enthusiasm regarding the advancement to Division II. The women’s basketball coach reported an impressive record of 18-8 overall and 16-4 in the Pacific West Conference, finishing second in the standings during the past season. This enthusiasm resonates within the athletic community, as evidenced by senior volleyball player Delaney Hill’s remarks about the increased excitement among athletes to compete at a higher level.
Vanguard will continue its membership with NAIA during the upcoming school year, but it is scheduled to join the PacWest Conference in fall 2024. The PacWest Conference includes several four-year institutions from California and Hawaii, among them Concordia, Biola, and Azusa Pacific.
It is important to note that Vanguard’s teams will not be eligible for postseason play during their first two seasons in the PacWest, although eligibility to compete for postseason play may be available beginning in the 2026-27 school year, contingent upon meeting set requirements. As Vanguard fosters its athletic programs and embraces this change, the university takes a significant step toward enhancing its visibility and reputation within collegiate athletics.
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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 and PacWest Conference
- Google Search: Vanguard University NCAA
- UC San Diego Tritons: Men’s Volleyball Host Match
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Collegiate Athletic Association
- UAlbany Sports: Kevin Baran-Maguire Joins Volleyball Staff
- Google News: Vanguard University Athletics
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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