DESCRIPTION UC San Diego Athletics sponsors a broad-based program of 23 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sports, with approximately 600 student-athletes. It promotes the pursuit of excellence, strength of character, teamwork, ethical conduct, and diversity, and is inextricably linked to the educational mission of the University. UC San Diego Athletics has a proud tradition of academic and athletic excellence, sponsors 23 varsity sports, and is in transition to NCAA Division I as a member of the Big West Conference. A premiere NCAA athletics program, our vision encompasses: setting the standard in all aspects of competitive success, academic excellence, ethical conduct, student-athlete experience, campus pride, the development and retention of coaches and staff, a