SAN MARCOS, Calif. – California State University San Marcos learned Friday that it has successfully completed its transition to NCAA Division II membership.
 
CSUSM President Karen Haynes and Director of Athletics Jennifer Milo received the call from the NCAA membership committee notifying them that the University is now a full-fledged Division II member.
 
While CSUSM has been competing at the Division II level during the past two years of transition, being a full member means the University's teams are eligible for postseason play beginning with the 2017-18 academic year. Schools aren't eligible for the postseason during the transition process. For the 2016-17 academic year, 10 of CSUSM's 13 teams would have qualified for the postseason had they been eligible.
 
"This move benefits our athletics program on multiple levels," Haynes said. "During the transition to Division II, we have been establishing exciting rivalries with regional universities, our student-athletes have been able to spend more time in the classroom thanks to reduced travel time, and our University is better aligned athletically with schools of similar size and stature. This is another great day for the University and our athletics program."
 
CSUSM's athletic department was established in 1998, beginning with men's and women's golf, men's and women's cross country and men's and women's track and field. The University added baseball, softball and men's and women's soccer in 2006. Men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball were added in 2010.

"I attribute this campus milestone to the amazing CSUSM community that has come together as a true team to make today's NCAA Division membership a reality," Milo said. "I am so proud of this institution, our athletics administration, our support staff, our coaches, and the CSUSM student-athletes. While the transition was grueling at times, we continued to persevere knowing that any obstacles would just make us stronger. And here we are... we celebrate today but tomorrow we get back to work knowing that our goal now is to prove we belong!
 
CSUSM is a member of the California Collegiate Athletic Association, which includes 11 other California State University schools as well as UC San Diego.
 
The athletics department will host a public celebration for students, faculty, staff, and the community at noon on Aug. 31 at The Sports Center to mark CSUSM's milestone of completing the transition to NCAA Division II membership.
 
About California State University San Marcos
Building on an innovative 27-year history, California State University San Marcos is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to preparing future leaders, building great communities and solving critical issues. Located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the City of San Marcos, it is the only public four-year comprehensive university serving North San Diego, Southwest Riverside and South Orange Counties.
 
The University enrolls over 15,000 students. With approximately 2,000 employees, the institution is a Great College to Work For® (The Chronicle of Higher Education). As a recipient of the annual HEED Award since 2014—a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion—CSUSM is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.