Back Where We Belong: SU Returns to WCC

A new era of excellence is here as Seattle University.

Early Tuesday morning, July 1, a group of Seattle University representatives led by President Eduardo Peñalver raised the SU flag atop the Space Needle, marking this historic move to the West Coast Conference. Reflected in the 2025-26 season of play, this is a return to our roots as a former member of the WCC and signifies a bold step forward in SU’s commitment to excellence in academics, athletics and community engagement.

With the WCC’s shared focus on faith-based education and a strong national profile, this transition elevates the university’s visibility and impact. As a member of the WCC SU is poised to soar to new heights, bringing the Redhawk spirit to an elite level of intercollegiate competition.

President Peñalver says the move is exciting for student athletes, alumni and the university as a whole, spotlighting our stellar athletes, teams and academic programs. Being part of the WCC “places SU in excellent position for the future in the rapidly changing world of college sports. We are especially well-aligned with the conference and its member schools from an academic, athletics and geographic standpoint.”

President Eduardo Peñalver with Rudy the Redhawk atop the Space Needle.

Being a member of the WCC will naturally bring more eyeballs to SU’s D-I athletic programs (via televised games on ESPN), another reputational boost as a top Jesuit Catholic university. There is also a greater likelihood to attract and retain students and an invigorated fan base—including alumni—cheering on Redhawks basketball, soccer, rowing or any one of the 14 sports that are part of conference play.

“Our student athletes will receive an unparalleled experience, reaping the rewards of competing against talented peers at mission-aligned universities within a tight geographic footprint,” says Vice President of Athletics Shaney Fink.

Seattle University will be competing as one of 10 universities that make up the WCC, joining fellow Jesuit institutions Santa Clara and Loyola Marymount, along with West Coast Catholic schools including the University of Portland and the University of San Diego, with whom SU has forged deep institutional ties over many decades. 

A big draw will be the basketball matchups, with schedules released in the fall. The competitive slate will include home games vs. Washington State, Gonzaga, Oregon State and the University of San Francisco. The first WCC match-up that SU will host is women’s soccer vs. Pepperdine at 7 p.m., September 27,  at Championship Field.

The move to the WCC and the amplification of the schools who are in the conference can in turn support the recruitment and retention of students, says James Miller, Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Admission.

VP of Athletics Shaney Fink raising the SU flag at the Space Needle.

“We are thrilled to be rejoining the WCC. This move is all upside from a student recruitment point of view,” says Miller. “The WCC’s footprint and membership create a real opportunity to increase exposure of the Seattle University brand in our most important recruitment regions.”

Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Victor says that WCC is a natural fit for the team and reflects the upward trajectory of the program in recent years. “It’s exciting not just for our basketball program and the Athletics department but for the whole university,” says Victor. “For the last three years, we’ve seen a lot of growth, taken big steps and had success that we haven’t seen here in 70 years. The timing is perfect to move to the WCC and continue our progress to the next level of success.”

In 1971, after decades of success as a Major Independent (non-conference affiliated), Seattle University joined fellow West Coast Jesuit universities Loyola Marymount University, Santa Clara University and the University of San Francisco as a member of the WCC, which at the time was known as the West Coast Athletic Conference.

“With the leadership of President Peñalver and Shaney Fink, Seattle is well-positioned to thrive,” says WCC Commissioner and Albers alum Stu Jackson, ’78. “The conference expands its footprint in the Pacific Northwest and visibility nationally with the addition of one of the nation’s top media markets. Seattle is an important part of the conference’s history and we are thrilled for their return to the WCC.”

A selfie at the Space Needle with Shaney Fink, President Peñalver and Rudy.

People are Talking…

“This is about much more than athletics—it’s about building pride and engagement among our students, alumni and supporters, as well as creating memorable experiences that extend beyond the court or field. The excitement surrounding games and the pride of being part of something bigger contribute to a stronger, more unified student body.” 
—Tammy Herdener, ’94, Senior Vice Provost for Academic and Student Affairs

“There are a lot of very strong teams as part of the conference. And we are right up there with them. It will require us to play stronger but it’s a huge move for us and for the soccer program, really all our programs.”
—Student Athlete Andre Philibbosian, men’s soccer

Here’s a look at earlier coverage on the move to the WCC:

Seattle University to Join West Coast Conference in 2025
West Coast Conference Bound
In a homecoming, Seattle University will once again join the competitive conference in 2025.
Competitive Edge
Student athletes, alumni, the campus community and the Seattle area as a whole gear up for SU’s return to the West Coast Conference.

Stay up on all things SU Athletics including upcoming schedules and ticket information.