Stanton University Voted Into NAIA and Cal Pac

San Diego, CA — In a landmark achievement, Stanton University has officially been voted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the California Pacific Conference (Cal Pac). The announcement was made this past weekend at the NAIA Convention in San Diego, marking a major milestone in the university's athletic history.

For Athletic Director Diogo Pereira, this moment has been years in the making.

"Starting an athletic program in a regular school is challenging enough," Pereira shared. "But starting one in a small university such as Stanton presented its own set of challenges — from finding facilities to practice and play, to designing our own logo."

A Vision in Motion: The Path to NAIA

Pereira, a former international student-athlete and seasoned coach, began exploring NAIA membership shortly after taking over the athletic department. His goal was clear: provide Stanton's student-athletes with a platform to compete at a national level while building a lasting athletic culture.

Timeline of Stanton's NAIA Journey:

• Initial Vision – Shortly after his appointment, Pereira began identifying a pathway toward NAIA membership, laying the groundwork for what would become a rigorous yet rewarding process.

• Application Submission – With support from the university administration and coaching staff, Stanton submitted its official application to the NAIA, signaling serious intent to join the association.

• NAIA Site Visit – An important milestone was reached when Stanton was selected for a site visit by NAIA representatives, a vital part of the membership evaluation process.
  One of the key contributors during this stage was Nick Davidson, Vice President of Membership Recruitment & Retention at the NAIA, who provided valuable insight and guidance to the Stanton team. Davidson worked closely with university leadership, helping them understand what the NAIA looks for in prospective institutions and ensuring that Stanton was aligned with the association's standards and values.

• Awaiting the Vote – Following the visit, Stanton was notified that the NAIA membership committee had reviewed their application and that the final decision would come down to a formal vote at the NAIA Convention.

• Membership Granted – During the annual NAIA Convention in San Diego, the committee voted in favor of Stanton's admission into the NAIA and Cal Pac Conference, officially elevating the university to national intercollegiate competition status.

Cal Pac's Steady Support

A key figure in Stanton's journey was Cal Pac Commissioner Don Ott, whose guidance and encouragement played a vital role throughout the process. From initial conversations to final approval, Ott was a consistent source of support and mentorship.

"Stanton University is a great fit for the NAIA and the Cal Pac," said Dr. Don Ott, the Cal Pac Commissioner.  "The institution has a terrific educational and athletics model and has already grown since we've started working together.  To say we are thrilled to have a new member with this quality and potential is an understatement.  Go Elks!"

From Player to Pioneer

Pereira's background played a crucial role in Stanton's success. As a former player, he led his team to national tournaments. As a head coach, he returned to the national spotlight by guiding his squad to the USCAA Men's Soccer National Championships in Pittsburgh, PA, where his team upset the two-time defending champions in the knockout round.

His leadership, coupled with his deep understanding of the student-athlete experience, has been instrumental in navigating the unique challenges of building an athletic program from the ground up.

A New Chapter Begins

With NAIA and Cal Pac membership now official, Stanton University is set to embark on a new chapter—one filled with competition, opportunity, and growth for its athletes and the campus community alike.

"This is more than just a win for our athletics department," Pereira said. "It's a victory for every student who dreams of playing at the next level, for our coaches who believe in the vision, and for a small school that dared to think big."

As the Elks prepare for their inaugural NAIA season, one thing is clear—Stanton is ready to make its mark.