By: Alex Kline, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications
POMONA, Calif. – The Cal Poly Pomona Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is proud to celebrate the fourth annual DII Day on February 22, 2025.
The Broncos have been a member of NCAA Division II since its inception in 1973, and have since claimed 35 DII national titles - including team titles in women's basketball (5), baseball (3), women's tennis (2), men's cross country (1), women's soccer (1), and men's basketball (1), as well as individual titles in women's track & field (11), men's track & field (6) women's tennis (3), men's tennis (1), and women's gymnastics (1).
The Broncos became full-time members of Division II for the 1973-74 academic year. Cal Poly Pomona has been a proud member of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) for the entirety of it's DII existence, being the longest tenured university in the conference at 58 consecutive years. CPP is the only remaining school in the conference from when Division II was established, as the other five schools have now transitioned to NCAA Division I – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal State Northridge, Cal State Fullerton, UC Riverside, and Cal State Bakersfield.
What is DII Day?
DII Day is an opportunity for all individuals associated with Division II to celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on their campus and community. Every DII school and conference is encouraged to share the benefits of being a part of Division II and showcase student-athlete success stories on their athletics website and social media channels. DII Day will be celebrated annually on February 22nd.
The Distinguishing Dozen
12 Characteristics That Set Division II Apart
1. Graduation rates. The Division II student-athlete graduation rate is consistently higher than that of the total student body. Division II also features a high number of first-generation college students, thus increasing the access to education.
2. Academic emphasis. Division II's regionalization philosophy in scheduling limits missed class time for student-athletes.
3. Athletics scholarships. The partial athletics scholarship model rewards athletics ability while allowing student-athletes to earn other sources of financial aid. Scholarship student-athletes are known to benefit the institution's overall academic profile, and the partial aid model generates revenue for the school.
4. Balanced bottom line. The median expenses for Division II athletics departments are far less than their counterparts in any of the Division I subdivisions.
5. Favorable admission rates. Division II membership is split almost evenly between public and private institutions. On average, Division II schools have the highest admission rate (70 percent, versus 62-63 percent in the other two divisions).
6. Community engagement. Through student-athlete leadership, Division II has enjoyed long-term and successful partnerships with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Team IMPACT and military groups. In addition, Division II conducts community engagement activities at all championships final sites.
7. Positive game environment. Division II members pledge to conduct athletics contests in a family-friendly environment that is civil and entertaining.
8. Unique geographical footprint. Division II is the only NCAA division with schools in Alaska (Anchorage and Fairbanks) and Puerto Rico (Bayamon, Mayaguez and Rio Piedras). In addition, Division II is the only division to have taken advantage of an NCAA policy to accept members from Canada (Simon Fraser).
9. National championship opportunities. Division II features unparalleled opportunity for student-athletes to advance to national championship competition as a result of the division's generous championship access ratios (the highest among the three NCAA divisions).
10. National Championships Festivals. Division II is the only NCAA division that conducts "National Championships Festivals," Olympic-style events in which a number of national championships are held at a single site over a period of several days.
11. Make It Yours. This student-athlete-driven brand enhancement strengthens awareness among external audiences by clearly communicating the experience Division II schools create for student-athletes.
12. Diversity and inclusion. Matching grants encourage access, recruitment, selection and the long-term success of ethnic minorities and women in administration and coaching.
#MakeItYours #D2Day
Latest Women's Basketball
- Senior Day Win, No. 20 Broncos Score 87 Against PioneersCal Poly Pomona women's basketball delivered a dominant performance in their final home game of the regular season on Saturday afternoon, overwhelming Cal State East Bay with an 87-51 victory in Kellogg Arena. The win improved the Broncos' record to 22-4 overall and 17-3 in CCAA play, as they remain two games ahead of Chico State and two behind Cal State Dominguez Hills in the conference standings.
- Women’s Basketball Collects 21st Win, Most Since 2019After a close first half that saw the Broncos ahead by just one by the end of the second quarter, Cal Poly Pomona outscored San Francisco State 45-24 in the second half to come away with a dominant 71-49 win. It was the team's 21st win of the season, marking the most in a season since the 2018-19 campaign. With the win, the Broncos improve to 16-3 in conference play, maintaining a two-game lead over Chico State for second place in the CCAA standings.
- Broncos Celebrate 2,000th Win Under Brian SwansonThough he may not be the one holding a clipboard or writing the starting lineup, Cal Poly Pomona Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Brian Swanson, has had a massive impact on the success of Bronco Athletics since taking the helm on May 31, 2005. Thursday night marked yet another milestone in Swanson's decorated 20 years as CPP Athletics Director, as the Broncos celebrated their 2,000th win under his leadership.
- Women’s Basketball Ties Highest Win Total Since 2019 With Victory Over CougarsThe Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball team captured their 20th win of the season on Saturday afternoon with a 62-55 victory over Cal State San Marcos, improving to 20-4 on the season and 15-3 in conference play. Their 20 wins ties last year's total, and is tied for the program's most since the 2018-19 season.
- No. 21 Broncos Clinch CCAA Tournament Berth With 60-55 Win Over Sonoma StateThe No. 21 ranked Broncos pulled out another victory in Kellogg Arena on Thursday night, defeating Sonoma State by a score of 60-55. With the win, the Broncos clinch a berth into the CCAA Tournament for the 28th time in program history, while also improving to 19-4 on the season.
- Sydney Nelson Named CCAA Athlete of the WeekBroncos' Sydney Nelson averages nearly 30 points per game to win FloCollege/CCAA Player of the Week.
