OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR

March 17, 2025

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ALL ACADEMICS, STAFF AND STUDENTS AT UC SAN DIEGO, INCLUDING UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH

Tritons Make History! UC San Diego Women’s and Men’s Basketball Teams Become Big West Champions and are NCAA March Madness Tournament Bound

Dear Triton Community,

I am overjoyed to celebrate an inspiring moment in our university’s history—UC San Diego’s women's and men's basketball teams achieved monumental milestones this weekend, winning both 2025 Big West Championship titles and qualifying for the NCAA March Madness Tournament! This extraordinary feat marks a groundbreaking achievement, as UC San Diego has become the first university in NCAA history with both our men's and women's basketball teams earning tournament berths in the first year of full Division I postseason eligibility.

The upcoming schedules are as follows:

  • UC San Diego Triton Women’s Basketball | Live on ESPNU
    Wednesday, March 19, at 6 p.m. vs. Southern U in Los Angeles, CA
  • UC San Diego Triton Men’s Basketball | Live on TBS
    Thursday, March 20, at 7 p.m. vs. Michigan in Denver, CO

Our basketball teams have already done what may have seemed impossible. Their journey reflects the very spirit of UC San Diego—pushing boundaries, striving for excellence, and proving that with determination, anything is possible. I could not be prouder of our student-athletes, coaches and staff for their hard work, dedication and perseverance.

Our scholar-athletes’ commitment to academic excellence is equally impressive, as evidenced by the NCAA's latest report on graduation rates, which yet again recognizes UC San Diego as the top-performing public institution in the nation. For the past decade, our scholarship student-athletes have graduated at the highest rate among all public universities across the NCAA's three divisions, demonstrating our university's commitment to excellence in athletics and academics.

In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, this moment of triumph and inspiration serves as a reminder of the transformative power of teamwork and the pursuit of excellence no matter the odds. These values, which have driven our teams to historic success, extend far beyond the court, and these teams reflect the very best of our university.

As we prepare to cheer on our Triton teams in the NCAA Tournament, I invite you to join me in celebrating these historic achievements. Whether you are planning watch parties with friends, wearing Triton blue and gold, or simply sharing the pride in what our teams have accomplished, let’s all come together to show support for our phenomenal scholar-athletes who have made history and continue to make UC San Diego proud.

Congratulations to both teams and to our outstanding Coaches Eric Olen and Heidi VanDerveer. Your Triton family cannot wait to cheer you on in the NCAA Tournament. We wish you the very best as you compete at the highest level.

LET’S GO TRITONS!

Pradeep K. Khosla                                                    
Chancellor
Joan and Irwin Jacobs Chancellor’s Endowed Chair

University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093