INDIANAPOLIS--Fifty years ago, the NCAA established three divisions and the 2023-24 season will be marked with celebrations of that milestone across the collegiate landscape.

The Pacific West Conference has been a part of that history since 1992. 32 years ago, the PacWest formed with the merger of the Great Northwest Conference and the Continental Divide Conference. Today, after numerous transformations, the PacWest is 11-members strong and will grow to 14 universities in 2024-25.

NCAA Division II was established in 1973 as a home for colleges and universities to provide athletics scholarships and the flexibility to pursue unlimited academic paths. Division II was designed to be different from Division I with opportunities for interactive community engagement and a balanced student-athlete experience that they could call their own. Division III was created at the same time as a non-scholarship division.

Division II's year-long 50th Anniversary celebration includes commemorative scholarship opportunities for student-athletes who exhibit the core values of Divsion II. The 50th Anniversary Gold Award will also be given, handed out to two derserving individuals who have made a positive impact in Division II. Visit ncaa.org for more details on these opportunities.

Division II has spent a half century helping student-athletes achieve their goals in athletics, academics and in preparation for life. "Make It YOURS" is a Division II catch phrase that helps describe the unique posture that Division II offers.

Division II is celebrating its 50th Anniversary during the 2023-24 academic year and you can be a part of the festivities! Throughout the year-long party, post what it means to be a part of the Division II family by using the hashtag D-EY-EYE50 (#DII50) on social media. Happy Anniversary Division II - Make It YOURS!