COSTA MESA -- July 10, 2025, has become a momentous day for Vanguard University and the VU Athletic Department.  At 8:00 a.m., the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) called to inform Vanguard that it successfully completed year two of its NCAA Division II (DII) provisional membership before granting the department a waiver that allows Vanguard to skip the third year of provisional membership and immediately become a full member in the association.  Entering the 2025-26 school year, Vanguard sports that compete under the NCAA are eligible for conference and national playoffs, national rankings, and NCAA awards. Additionally, the department is now a voting member at the DII level for national legislation and has access to resources provided by the NCAA to its members.
 
"Vanguard University's transition to NCAA Division II is an extension of the values and commitments that we have to excellence, to the character of our students, and to a competitive greatness that has manifested for generations in Vanguard Athletics," said Michael J. Beals, Ph.D., VU President. "We decided after long consultation with stakeholders that the change to NCAA DII will have real positive impacts. The designation will enhance the student experience, be a unifying force for our community, and both strengthen and challenge our athletes to even greater heights and lengths of greatness." 
  
 
Vanguard began its new life in the NCAA in the 2024-25 school year and had to follow all NCAA rules and procedures both athletically and academically.  On the court, 13 of the department's 19 teams competed in the Pacific West Conference in a normal DII schedule, with women's basketball (second) and men's soccer (fourth) highlighting the top finishes for the Blue and Gold in year one.  At the end of the academic year, the department had tallied 18 All-Conference honorees and finished ninth in the PacWest's Bob Hogue Commissioner's Cup, beating the other two GSAC schools who recently migrated to the PacWest, Jessup and Menlo.  Elsewhere, three VU sports were given associate-member status at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), with men's and women's wrestling becoming founding members of wrestling in the federation and men's volleyball joining one of the most storied DI volleyball conferences in the country.  The wrestling teams combined for seven All-Conference placers (three women, four men), and men's volleyball played in its first MPSF Conference Tournament at Pepperdine.  STUNT, women's beach volleyball, and dance had successful runs at their respective postseason championships, all at the DII-level, but outside the NCAA umbrella.
 
"Our acceptance as full NCAA Division II members marks a historic milestone for Vanguard University and our athletic department," said Athletic Director Jeff Bussell.  "This transition has been years in the making—fueled by intentional investment and collaboration across our campus community. The move to Division II has not only elevated our athletic programs but strengthened internal and external partnerships throughout the university and community. Reaching full NCAA DII membership is a powerful testament to the dedication and unified effort of so many. I am deeply grateful for the diligent work of our athletic department staff and coaches, the Athletic Advisory Committee, Athletic Compliance Committee, Student-Athlete Leadership Team, VU staff, and university administration. We also extend our sincere thanks to the NCAA for their guidance and support throughout this journey. As full members of NCAA Division II, we are eager to compete at the highest level while staying true to who we are —because at Vanguard, we make the big time where we are. The big time isn't a destination—it's a reflection of our hearts along the journey. May the Lord continue to bless our steps ahead. Go Lions!"
 
Joining Vanguard as official DII members were fellow conference member Jessup, the University of South Carolina Beaufort, and Thomas More.  You can find the NCAA release here .
 
There was plenty to celebrate at the staff breakfast after the call, and some of the coaches wanted to weigh in with their feelings about reaching the end of the transition process.  Hired before the start of the 1996-97 school year, women's basketball head coach Russ Davis has seen the department navigate many highs and lows, but now gets a shot at taking a legendary NAIA program to new heights in the NCAA.
 
"In my 28-plus years here at Vanguard University, I have seen so much positive change to enhance the overall student experience in so many ways," relayed Davis.  "That experience has truly been a priority here, as seen in the action and results that I have witnessed. The time spent competing in the NAIA was very special with so many highlights for my team and myself personally, and they will never be forgotten. There are too many to even try to mention here. But regardless, this move to the NCAA is another positive step in the right direction and a chance to build even more fantastic achievements at a higher, more competitive level. The Lord has really blessed us along the way in this endeavor, and we will continue to trust His will and follow it. What a thrill. Go Lions!"
 
Another long-time coach, Bryan Wilkins, echoed Davis's thoughts on how much the Lord has been present at VU throughout the decades.
"It's been a tremendous blessing to be part of the Vanguard community the past 37 years," said the head cross country and track and field coach.  "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I love the amazing Christ-centered culture and mission we all share. I love our beautiful campus and our wonderful leaders, faculty, and staff. I've witnessed a lot of change through the years...new facilities, new programs, and new faces, but one thing has always remained the same, our loving and intentional Christ-centered community."
 
Two other coaches reflected on the transition from the familiar NAIA landscape to the rigorous procedures and new schedules of DII. 
"I'm so excited for our department and the University as a whole," stated head women's volleyball coach Jennifer Dorn.  "The process of moving to DII has been both challenging and exciting as we have stepped into a more competitive realm.  Our compliance and administrative team have done an amazing job getting us, and our student-athletes, up to speed with all the NCAA rules and processes over the last few years.  We've been ready for this official move, and I know we will thrive as we establish ourselves in the DII world."
 
Baseball head coach Rob Pegg, with his experience as both a player and a coach at Vanguard, added, "It has been a pleasure and honor to see, and be a small part of, the growth of Vanguard Athletics from its NAIA roots to becoming an NCAA institution.  As a former athlete and alumnus, I'm very proud of all the people who have contributed to the success of Vanguard both on and off the field.  There has been a consistent determination and commitment to staying true to our core Christian values in developing student-athletes all along this journey.  Many faithful people are greatly appreciated!"
 
The student-athlete populace is ecstatic to have postseason competition back on the table, and two current players shared their thoughts on the completion of the process.
 
"Transitioning from the NAIA to the NCAA has been one of the best choices Vanguard has made," said Tiffany Pope, a softball player entering her fourth year at VU.  "The NCAA places a tremendous emphasis on the well-being and development of student-athletes, offering incredible opportunities both on and off the field.  Beyond athletics, the NCAA is deeply committed to creating positive changes in communities and empowering athletes to use their gifts for a greater purpose.  At Vanguard, we believe our talents are God-given and meant to glorify Him and serve others, which aligns perfectly with the NCAA's mission.  I'm beyond excited to see how the NCAA will help our university grow and allow us to continue to make His glory known!"
 
"I think last year, a lot of teams came in with the mentality that we had something to prove with the jump up to Division II," offered men's soccer player Robert Ronco, who also entering his fourth year at VU .  "For men's soccer, we finished high enough to make the PacWest Tournament, and not being able to play in the postseason last year, makes today a huge moment.  As a school, it is something we are all thrilled for.  I am excited to see the support we will continue to get from other students around campus as we really push for success in this new chapter.   I am also excited for the possibility of not just a PacWest Tournament, but a national tournament appearance.  It is something that you dream of, making a run for your school on the big stage.  This moment is something a lot of people have been waiting for and highly anticipating across all our teams, so I think we have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming years on campus."
 
Men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, and women's volleyball will be the first teams up to compete for a conference or national tournament berth.  PacWest tournament information can be found on the conference's website later in August.  PacWest Tournaments are based on regular-season standings, while NCAA Championships are filled through conference tournament results or the at-large program, with regional tournaments feeding into a final-site bracket.  Individuals in cross country, golf, and track and field are now able to make a national championship based on their national ranking, even if their team does not make the event.  In the MPSF, men's wrestling and volleyball have historically rich national championships to qualify for, while VU women's wrestling could make the first-ever NCAA Women's Wrestling National Championship after the discipline was announced as the 91st NCAA championship sport this past winter.  All three NCAA levels will partake in the event, which will be held in Iowa in 2026. 
 
The Lions want to welcome the community back to campus for competitions beginning September 4th, with women's volleyball playing Regis University (Colo.) that night in the completed Freed Center for Leadership and Service at 6:00 p.m.  Both soccer programs play on the road earlier in the day on the fourth, and on the morning of the fifth, cross country hosts the Vanguard Invitational at 8:30 a.m. at Mason Regional Park in Irvine. The full slate of fall schedules will be announced on Monday, and further schedules will be released later in the fall.  You can find more resources about the NCAA here and find the VU master calendar, which will be updated as schedules are released, here.