The Pacific West Conference will be three members stronger starting in 2024-25.

The NCAA announced last week that Menlo College, Vanguard University and Jessup University had all cleared the first hurdle into membership. That trio, all currently members of the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), will begin play in the PacWest a little over a year from now, giving the conference 14 member schools.

Additionally, Westmont College, accepted into NCAA provisional membership last year, successfully advanced to the second year of the membership process. The Warriors will play a PacWest schedule in all sports beginning this year, 2023-24.

“It’s an exciting new era in the PacWest with three new members joining the conference, bringing our numbers to 14,” said new PacWest Commissioner Jessica Harbison Weaver.  “We’re growing in the PacWest and elevating our profile as we grow.  We can’t wait for Vanguard, William Jessup and Menlo to join us in competition and championships as they fit perfectly with our conference’s focus on developing the scholar-athlete.”

As part of the three-year reclassification process, Menlo, Vanguard and Jessup will remain in the NAIA, and compete in the GSAC for the 2023-24 season.

In 2024-25, the Oaks, Lions and Warriors will begin competition as a member of the Pacific West Conference. The final year of provisional NCAA membership will be 2025-26, after which those three schools will be fully integrated into Division II. The three schools can begin earning NCAA DII postseason berths in the fall of 2026.

Westmont begins play in the PacWest in 2023-24 and will be eligible for NCAA postseason play in 2025-26.

“I also want to congratulate Westmont College for making it through that first year of the NCAA Division II Membership Process and joining us in competition this year,” Harbison Weaver added.  “The membership process is rigorous and Westmont has risen to the challenge, progressing with ease.”

The Pacific West Conference is one of three NCAA Division II conferences in the West Region. The conference includes schools throughout California and Hawai`i, and is entering its 32nd year.

Here is a quick facts look at Westmont, Menlo, Vanguard and Jessup.

Westmont College
Founded in 1937
athletics.westmont.edu
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Mascot: Warriors
Colors: Maroon and White
17 teams
Director of Athletics: Robert Ruiz—"The move to the NCAA marks a monumental moment for our athletic programs and the Westmont College community. We look forward to the new partnership in the PacWest Conference and the opportunity to challenge ourselves in a new landscape."
 
Menlo College
Founded in 1927
menloathletics.com
Location: Atherton, California
Mascot: Oaks
Colors: Navy Blue and White
16 teams
Vice President for Athletics Keith Spataro--"We will forever be grateful for our time in the NAIA, and today's decision marks an historic opportunity for Menlo College to join the ranks of the NCAA's Division II. We are excited about our future, which will include more regional rivalries, enhanced return on investment for our athletic program, and improved ability to brand and market Menlo Athletics. We have lots of work to do, and the College, our coaches, support staff, and student-athletes are up for the challenge."
 
Vanguard University
Founded in 1920
vanguardlions.com
Location: Costa Mesa, California
Mascot: Lions
Colors: Navy Blue and Gold
19 teams
Athletic Director Jeff Bussell—"It's a great day to be a Lion. I am thankful for the commitment, hard work, and deep conversations the Vanguard community has invested into this process. Our student athletes and campus community are looking forward to rekindling old rivalries and traditions with our peer institutions in the region. We look forward to the growth opportunities and to seeing all that God has planned for us through the journey."
 
Jessup University
Founded: 1939 as San Jose Bible College
jessupathletics.com
Location: Rocklin, California
Mascot: Warriors
Colors: Red, White and Blue
16 teams
Vice-President of Athletics: Lance Von Vogt--"The NCAA is the gold standard of collegiate athletics. For us to join and be a member of not only the NCAA but the esteemed PacWest Conference speaks volumes to what our university and our department have been able to accomplish over the past decade."