Westcliff University Athletics

Westcliff competes in the NAIA, which sits between Division I powerhouses and Division III recreational programs, offering athletic scholarships but on a smaller scale. The Warriors field 16 varsity teams with 223 total athletes, meaning roughly 11% of the student body participates in varsity athletics. The school awards $1.15 million in athletic scholarships annually. As a relatively young institution established in 1993, Westcliff hasn't developed the deep sports traditions of older universities. The Warriors compete in various NAIA conferences depending on the sport. With a 63% male enrollment, the athletic programs help balance campus life in Orange County. The NAIA level allows student-athletes to compete seriously while maintaining academic focus, typical of smaller private universities seeking to build their athletic reputation.