Jessup University Advances into Year Two of NCAA Division II Membership
16 Julio 2024 - 10:00AM
Jessup University, a private Christian University in Rocklin,
California, today announced that it has been approved by the
membership committee of the National Collegiate Athletics
Association (NCAA) to enter year two of its transition as a member
of NCAA Division II and the Pacific West Conference (PacWest)
following a two decade run competing in the National Association of
Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) conference.
“This milestone is a testament to the dedication and hard work
of our entire athletics team and university community,” said Lance
Von Vogt, Vice President of Athletics for Jessup University. “We
are excited to compete in the PacWest Conference and showcase our
student-athletes' talents on a larger stage. This move not only
elevates our athletics program but also enhances the university's
visibility and appeal to prospective students and donors. The
alignment with the NCAA's standards and recognition will
significantly boost our recruitment efforts and reflects Jessup's
commitment to fostering a culture of sportsmanship and
fellowship.”
The process of moving from the NAIA to NCAA Division II was a
comprehensive and rigorous journey for Jessup University’s Athletic
Department. The initial planning began in 2019, leading to the
formal application submission to the NCAA in June 2023. Following
acceptance in July 2023, Jessup entered its provisional year one,
operating under both NAIA and NCAA compliance guidelines. This
transition required meticulous documentation, including a 500-page
application detailing every aspect of university operations, from
compliance and academic standards to athletic department processes.
As Von Vogt noted, “This move not only demanded adherence to
stringent NCAA regulations but also involved significant updates
and improvements across the university to meet the heightened
expectations and requirements of NCAA Division II membership.”
Jessup Athletics has a rich history of athletic excellence,
consistently demonstrating a high level of achievement across more
than 18 varsity programs. The university's athletic teams, known as
the Warriors, have achieved significant milestones in both regional
and national competitions over the past two decades, including:
- STUNT: Three-time back-to-back-to-back NAIA
national champion (2022-2024);
- Softball: Competed in the 2024 NAIA Softball
World Series, finishing a school record 44 victories and a national
runner-up;
- Men's Basketball: Has received consistent
national recognition in the NAIA since 2015;
- Women's Basketball: Qualified for their third
national tournament in 2024 and a school record 22 victories;
- Baseball: NAIA Opening Round qualifier and
2024 GSAC Tournament champions; and
- Women's Track and Field: Nationally ranked,
including freshman Julia Pisenti who earned All American honors and
was the national runner up in the discus event.
Commissioner of the PacWest Conference Jessica Harbison Weaver
commented last week on the three universities joining the
conference. “We are thrilled to add Jessup, Menlo, and Vanguard
into the Pacific West Conference. Additionally, we salute Westmont
for successfully moving into year two of the NCAA membership
process. These schools are a great fit for our conference with a
shared commitment to community, academics, and athletics
excellence.”
Fall schedules for Jessup University's first season in NCAA
Division II and the PacWest Conference are available now at
jessupathletics.com. The first PacWest contest in university
history will be when women's volleyball visits Azusa Pacific
University on September 21.
About Jessup University
Jessup University, located in Rocklin, California, is a
distinguished institution committed to academic excellence and
transformative education. Known for its vibrant community and
innovative programs, Jessup offers a range of undergraduate and
graduate degrees designed to prepare students for impactful careers
and lifelong learning. With a focus on integrating faith and
learning, Jessup University fosters a supportive environment where
students, faculty, and staff can thrive. The university is
dedicated to research, scholarship, and service, aiming to make a
positive difference in the world through its academic and community
endeavors. For more information, visit www.jessup.edu.
Press Contact:Kevin Cancilla Marketing
Director, Jessup University(916) 577-3231kcancilla@jessup.edu
Matt HorrocksSports Information Director, Jessup University(916)
577-2279mshorrocks@jessup.edu