Westmont Magazine Westmont Seeks to Join NCAA Division II
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has accepted Westmont into the multi-year membership process for Division II. The college applied last February after extensive research and consideration. Given the changing landscape of college athletics, the move to Division II will provide better opportunities and experiences for Warrior athletes.
“Westmont has periodically reviewed its associations with the NAIA and Golden State Athletic Conference,” says Dave Odell, executive director of athletics. “In the past, we’ve concluded we’re properly situated. But as we look at the current state of college athletics and anticipate future developments, we’re convinced this decision puts us in the best position to continue our mission of cultivating maturity of mind, body and spirit through the rigorous pursuit of athletic excellence, integrated learning and Christ-centered leadership.”
“I’m incredibly thankful for the tireless effort of our athletics staff, coaches and administrators, who’ve invested time and resources to bring us to this point,” says Robert Ruiz, director of athletics. “It’s an honor to be accepted into the process, and we believe we’ve prepared appropriately to lead our athletic programs successfully into the NCAA.”
Like the NAIA, Division II allows scholarships. Current and future Westmont student athletes will be eligible for athletic financial aid.
The move to Division II will reunite Westmont with former opponents, renewing old rivalries. The Pacific West Conference previously voted to extend membership to Westmont contingent on its acceptance into NCAA Division II membership. The PacWest consists of 11 teams, including former GSAC members Azusa Pacific, Biola, Concordia, Fresno Pacific and Point Loma Nazarene. The others are Academy of Art, Dominican, and Holy Names from the Bay Area and three schools from Hawaii: Chaminade, Hawai’i Hilo and Hawai’i Pacific.
“We consider it a great honor to be considered for membership in the NCAA, and we begin the process with hope,” says Westmont President Gayle D. Beebe. “Athletic competition is one of the great proving grounds of American life. At Westmont, we aspire to prepare our students for leading and serving in every sphere of society. Competing at the highest level possible will present both a challenge and an opportunity for the growth, development and faith formation of our student athletes.
“I’m especially grateful for the work of Dave Odell and the entire group of coaches he has assembled to guide our athletic endeavors and pursue the next horizon of competition. This move will further extend the work and mission of Westmont as it enters its 85th year.”
The college will continue to compete as a full member of the NAIA and Golden State Athletic Conference for the 2022-23 season. During the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, Westmont will play a PacWest regular season schedule. During the three-year transition process, however, the Warriors will not participate in Division II postseason national competition. Instead, Westmont anticipates competing in postseason play as part of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA).
Assuming Westmont meets all the requirements for membership, the Warriors will become full members of NCAA Division II in the 2025-26 season, including national postseason events.