Athletics to launch in Fall 2027
ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – NCAA Division II sports will begin at Sonoma State University in Fall 2027 as part of what the university’s president describes as a broader “reimagining” of the university and its programs.
President Michael E. Spagna said the university has marked several “reimagining” successes in recent months, including:
- Programs once slated for closure as part of budget reductions – including the Geology BS, Physics BS, and History MA – being reincorporated into the curriculum.
- Growth in SSU’s nursing and health sciences programs, with Nichols Hall in the initial stages of a $24-million modernization project to create a state-of-the-art learning and teaching environment for SSU nursing students, faculty, and staff.
- A Campus Vibrancy Project to add student-centered amenities by fall 2026.
- Continued expansion of guaranteed admissions and dual enrollment programs that create direct routes from regional high schools to Sonoma State.
- Graduation of nearly 2,000 Seawolves during May Commencement ceremonies.
Spagna said the next step forward in a reimagined Sonoma State is fresh establishment of the university’s NCAA Division II athletics program, which was shuttered in June 2025 as part of campus-wide program and personnel reductions aimed at eliminating a $24-million budget deficit.
Based on the recommendations of the university’s Athletics Fiscal Feasibility Team (AFFT), 10 Division II sports will compete in the California Collegiate Athletic Conference in 2027-28 after a two-year absence.
“(Athletics) are an exciting way to engage our communities, help generate school spirit, enhance the student experience, and increase recruiting efforts,” Spagna said, adding that “community engagement and support will be essential to athletics’ success.”
The 2027-28 Seawolves sports will include:
- Women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, and volleyball
- Men’s basketball, cross country, golf, and soccer.
Spagna said that after five months of research and discussion, the AFFT on June 15 – co-chaired by campus administrators Gerald Jones and Robert Eyler – recommended establishing the 10 programs. Membership in NCAA and CCAA Division II athletics requires a minimum of 10 sports. The AFFT used the Athletics Task Force Report from January 2026 as a guiding document to determine which sports will return to campus.
“Sonoma State Seawolves have always been fierce competitors in the California Collegiate Athletic Association,” Spagna said. “We look forward to working with the Association leadership and renewing friendly competition in the conference."
"This unprecedented return speaks volumes to the strength, resilience, and resolve of our membership,” CCAA Commissioner Allen Hardison said. “I want to pay a huge compliment to SSU President Dr. Michael Spagna and our CCAA Board of Presidents and Chancellors for their vision and collaboration on this project over the last few years."
Financial support of sports will be made possible through a combination of student fees; tuition revenue from new student athletes; fundraising and sponsorships; sports camp and use fees for SSU facilities; and direct institutional support, including SSU Commitment funding provided by the state of California in 2025.
”Sonoma State is one of the North Bay’s largest economic drivers — it’s a hub for innovation and job creation. That’s why the North Bay’s legislative delegation was unified in our fight to secure $90 million to turn this campus around and move SSU forward,” state Sen. Mike McGuire said. “Bringing back athletics will help invigorate student life, attract and retain new students, and restore a critical piece of Seawolf spirit.”
“We know there is still hard work ahead, but this action represents an important step in the overall Sonoma State comeback story.”
Recruitment for players for the 2027-28 seasons will begin once coach and support staff positions have been filled for the 10 programs.
“Reinstating Seawolf athletics demonstrates a meaningful commitment to current and future students, the campus community, alumni, and our athletic and philanthropic partners in the North Bay and beyond,” SSU Interim Athletics Director Joan McDermott said. “We are excited about the opportunity to compete again in the CCAA and to represent our community."
“As both faculty leaders and educators, we see intercollegiate athletics as one of many high-impact educational experiences that help students grow intellectually, personally, and professionally when intentionally connected to the university's educational mission,” said SSU faculty members Bryan Burton and Lauren Morimoto, co-chairs of the university’s Academic Senate. “Faculty ensure these experiences foster academic excellence while developing the knowledge, leadership, and commitment to community that prepare graduates to make meaningful contributions throughout their lives.”
More information is available in the AFFT’s Executive Summary and in FAQs posted to the Sonoma State website.