Article written by Rick Stupak, Sports Information Director of PCSC, with help from Seattle University Sports Information
The Pacific Coast Softball Conference has extended invitations for conference membership to six schools: California State University Bakersfield, Idaho State University, University of Northern Colorado, Seattle University, Utah Valley University and Weber State University, PCSC Commissioner Wendy Guthrie announced Tuesday. All six schools accepted their bids and will begin competing in the PCSC in 2010, joining charter members Loyola Marymount, Portland State, Sacramento State, Saint Mary’s, San Diego and Santa Clara to raise the conference’s membership to 12 schools.
Starting with the 2010 season, the PCSC will split into two divisions, the Coastal and Mountain. The division winners will meet in a best-of-three championship series to determine the conference’s automatic NCAA Tournament berth. The Coastal Division will consist of the six California-based schools: Cal State Bakersfield, Loyola Marymount, Sacramento State, Saint Mary’s, San Diego and Santa Clara. Idaho State, Northern Colorado, Portland State, Seattle, Utah Valley and Weber State will form the Mountain Division.
"We are very excited to join the Division I Pacific Coast Softball Conference," Bill Hogan, Seattle University Director of Athletics, said. "The league will give us an opportunity to compete against some strong teams from the West Coast and Big Sky Conferences. Seattle University softball has been a top-25 ranked team for the last four years and we are looking forward to competing at a high level in Division I."
“We are delighted to welcome California State University, Bakersfield, Idaho State University, University of Northern Colorado, Seattle University, Utah Valley University, and Weber State University as members of the Pacific Coast Softball Conference,” Guthrie said. “At the forefront of this decision, is the desire to increase opportunities for student-athletes and contribute to the development of NCAA Division I softball. The addition of a conference championship series will enhance the student-athlete experience and heighten the visibility of the league. This is an intentional and strategic step toward positioning the conference for sustainability and growth.”
"Providing additional student-athletes with the opportunity to compete for conference championships and NCAA postseason berths, makes the expansion of the PCSC worthwhile," said Saint Mary's Director of Athletics and PCSC President Mark Orr. "Today is a great day for all 12 member institutions of the conference and for the growing sport of softball."
The PCSC completed its sixth year of competition in 2008 and has had an automatic NCAA Tournament bid for its conference champion since 2006. Loyola Marymount has won three PCSC titles, 2003, 2005 and 2007. Santa Clara, 2004, Portland State, 2006, and Sacramento State, 2008, have also won conference championships.
Seattle University went 38-14 last spring in its final year at the NCAA Division II level, reaching the NCAA Division II West Regional for the third straight season. The Redhawks will play as a NCAA Division I provisional member in 2009 and reach full-time Division I membership commencing with the 2013 season. During the 2009 season, Seattle University is scheduled to face current PCSC schools Loyola Marymount, Portland State, and Saint Mary's as well as future members Cal State Bakersfield and Utah Valley.