California Baptist

The California Baptist University Lancers embody unrelenting ambition, a culture of comprehensive excellence, and the vibrant, growing spirit of California's Inland Empire from their home in Riverside. After establishing one of the nation's premier Division II athletic departments—consistently finishing in the top four of the Learfield Directors' Cup—CBU executed one of the most successful transitions to Division I in modern history. The Lancers announced their arrival with immediate force, highlighted by a women's basketball team that went undefeated in regular season play and won a WAC tournament title while still in transition, and a men's team that also quickly became a conference contender. The university's dynasty in swimming and diving, which produced multiple D-II national championships, has continued seamlessly at the Division I level, establishing a new standard of dominance in the Western Athletic Conference. Fueled by the passionate "Crazies" student section, the state-of-the-art CBU Events Center has quickly become one of the most electric home environments in the WAC. The California Baptist Lancers represent a new model for athletic ambition, proving that a foundation of excellence and a clear vision can forge a Division I powerhouse in record time.