Follow
The two newest NCAA Division II men’s volleyball programs are joining the MPSF.
The MPSF announced Tuesday that Menlo and Vanguard will join the conference starting in the 2025 season.
Both Menlo and Vanguard are in the process of a three-year transition from NAIA to NCAA Division. The two California schools will be provisional NCAA members of their first two seasons and will become postseason eligible starting in 2027.
Vanguard finished last season winning the NAIA championship for the first time in program history. The Lions have reached the NAIA National Tournament and won the GSAC regular season championship in each of the last three years.
Vanguard also had a regular season victory against CSUN last season.
“Vanguard University is blessed to become a member of one of the most successful men’s volleyball conferences in the country, with institutions committed to academic and athletic excellence,” Vanguard athletic director Jeff Bussell said in a statement. “Competing in the MPSF will enhance the student-athlete experience as we continue to raise the profile of our program and university. Our student-athletes will compete at the highest level and in some of the best game environments in the country.”
Menlo ended the 2023 season at No.6 in the national rankings and earned a berth to the NAIA National Tournament. In addition, the team has back-to-back seasons with more than 15 wins.
“We are thrilled to have found a home for our men’s volleyball program as we transition to the ranks of the NCAA,” Menlo athletics director Keith Spataro said in a statement. “Given the success of our program through the years, it was critical they had a home that would allow them to compete at the highest level.”
The MPSF currently features seven teams, including the defending NCAA champions UCLA. The West Coast based conference since starting in 1993 has won 17 NCAA men’s volleyball championships.