UC Merced Magazine | Commemorative Chronicle

The Long Road to the NCAA UC Merced launched intercollegiate athletics in fall 2011 with teams in three sports: men's and women's cross country, women's volleyball and men's basketball. e Bobcats competed in the California Paci c Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). e program expanded steadily, adding sports and facilities and collecting championships. By 2022, the Bobcats elded 12 varsity teams. For founding Executive Director of Recreation and Athletics David Dunham, the vision was always larger. at vision was realized July 11, 2024, just over two at’s when UC Merced was o cially accepted into Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). “ is has been a goal for our program since its inception,” Dunham said. “We’ve achieved this milestone thanks to the dedication of our coaches, sta and student-athletes, along with unwavering support from Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz and campus leadership.” months a er UC Merced won its 19th Cal Pac Championship and graduated another class of student-athletes.

This has been a goal for our program since its inception... we’ve achieved this milestone thanks to the dedication of our coaches, staff and student-athletes, along with unwavering support from Chancellor Juan Sánchez muñoz and campus leadership.

DAVID DUNHAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECREATION & ATHLETICS