Westcliff University: First College in the U.S. to Offer Surf Scholarships, Now Ranked No. 1 in the Nation by NSSA

Five Years After Becoming America's First Collegiate Surf Scholarship Program, Westcliff Defeats Nine-Time Defending Champion to Claim First-Ever NSSA Collegiate National Title

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Westcliff University’s Surf Team has captured its first-ever National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) Collegiate National Championship, defeating nine-time defending champion Point Loma Nazarene University 153-139 at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, Calif.

The landmark victory marks the culmination of a remarkable five-year ascent for a program that helped redefine collegiate surfing by becoming the first university in the U.S. to offer athletic scholarships for surfers and the first to send student-athletes to compete at a professional World Surf League event. Since its launch, Westcliff has steadily climbed the national rankings, progressing from fifth place in 2022 to third in 2023, followed by second place in both 2024 and 2025 and now first place in 2026.

“This national championship is a testament to the dedication, perseverance and excellence of our surf team and coaching staff, and the entire Westcliff community is incredibly proud of what they have accomplished,” said Dr. Anthony Lee, President & CEO of Westcliff University. “Watching our student-athletes, coaches, families and supporters collectively hold their breath and then erupt in celebration captured everything that makes collegiate athletics special. I feel incredibly fortunate to have witnessed it in person.”

This win solidifies the Westcliff Warriors as one of the premier collegiate surf programs in the country and reflects a significant milestone for a team built on the vision of elevating surfing to a fully supported collegiate sport.

Westcliff’s title run was fueled by contributions across men’s, women’s and longboard divisions, underscoring the depth and competitive development that has become a hallmark of the program. Among the standout performances, Taylor Stacy captured her third consecutive NSSA National Championship title; freshman Titus Kaimana Santucci finished as NSSA National Runner-up in his first collegiate season; and freshman Jackson Taylor earned a perfect 10-point ride while advancing to the national finals. Team co-captain Jordy Collins delivered a pivotal performance in the elimination rounds, while AnnaBella Lopez, Niyah Rosen, Kylan Crapenhoft and Jacob Hardy put up valuable points throughout the competition.

The championship also represents a full-circle moment for head coach Lucas Taub, a previous Westcliff scholarship athlete, university valedictorian and 4.0 GPA graduate who returned to lead his alma mater’s surf team to a national title in just his second year at the helm. “This win means everything to our team, and I couldn’t be more impressed by the time, commitment and focus these student-athletes put in every single day to reach this point,” added Taub. “We knew what we were capable of, but it took years of preparation, grit, belief and trust in each other to get here.”

A former competitive surfer in the World Surf League Qualifying Series, Taub has established a coaching philosophy centered on athlete development, preparation and team culture. These values were on full display when he gained national media attention in March for rescuing a father and young daughter caught in a rip current off the coast of Southern California during a Western Surfing Association contest — an act of heroism Oceanside, Calif. honored by presenting Taub with the key to the city.

The title holds special meaning for assistant coach Robbie Crist as well, the first scholarship surfer in program history, now part of the staff that delivered its first national championship. “This is such an incredible moment for all of us. I had the opportunity to be Westcliff’s very first surf scholarship recipient, and now, to be standing here as an assistant coach watching this team become the national champs is something I never could have imagined when we started.”

Prior to securing its first NSSA collegiate championship, the program’s rapid rise from newcomer to the No. 1-ranked surf team in the country had already drawn widespread media attention—including a national broadcast feature, a team member’s appearance in Netflix’s 1 in 7641 documentary and inclusion in the iconic Got Milk? campaign. Now, with a national title to its name, Westcliff Surf’s trajectory stands as a powerful reflection of the commitment, hard work, and culture that have shaped the sport’s newest collegiate powerhouse. For more information about Westcliff University, visit https://www.westcliff.edu/.

About Westcliff University: Westcliff University is an innovative global higher education institution with its finger on the pulse of the international business landscape and the needs of today’s employers. Founded in 1993 and based in Irvine, Calif., it offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees spanning 20+ areas of study, including business, education, technology, nursing, law, computer science and engineering. Westcliff is a California Public Benefit Corporation that affirms its dedication to operating in the best interests of its students and the surrounding community. With more than 9,000 enrolled students across nine campuses worldwide, its programs focus on both the hard and soft skills needed to secure quality jobs in high-growth industries. The university offers hands-on learning through community and business engagement while delivering innovative, affordable online and in-person programs across its global campuses—earning continued national recognition, including a ranking on the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges list, a No. 2 ranking for MBA programs by the Los Angeles Times and designation as a Military Friendly institution. Visit www.westcliff.edu and www.wsulaw.edu to learn more and follow Westcliff on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.