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 Soccer
- NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: Broncos Make HistoryIn a historic moment for Cal Poly Pomona women's soccer, the Broncos secured their first-ever NCAA Division II National Championship, defeating Minnesota State 2-1. This victory represents the culmination of an extraordinary season, highlighted by resilience, strong leadership, and the unrelenting determination of the championship squad.
- Chasing Greatness: Broncos’ Historic National Championship JourneyThe 2024 season will be forever remembered in Bronco history. This was a year where every challenge was met with resilience, every opponent with determination, and every victory with humility. From an unforgettable start to a national championship finish, the Broncos exceeded expectations and achieved milestones that have solidified their place among the elite in NCAA Division II women's soccer.
- Tara Oper of Cal Poly Pomona Named the DII Honda Athlete of the Year Award Finalist for SoccerCal Poly Pomona senior Tara Oper has been named a finalist for the DII Honda Athlete of the Year for Soccer, as announced today by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.
- Mason, Richards, Tominovich, and Gutierrez Named 2024 NCAA DII National Coaching Staff of the YearThe United Soccer Coaches have named head coach Jay Mason and assistant coaches Dan Richards and Emilee Tominovich the 2024 National Coaching Staff of the Year, recognizing their exceptional leadership and dedication in guiding the Cal Poly Pomona Women's Soccer team to its first-ever National Title.
- 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.
- Champions In and Out of the Classroom, Broncos Boast 3.34 Department GPAJust as you thought this past fall couldn't get any more impressive for Cal Poly Pomona Athletics, the student-athletes put together one of the best academic semesters in department history with a combined 3.34 GPA across all 10 teams. This marks the second-highest term GPA in school history, behind only Fall 2020 (3.35).
