SAN BRUNO, Calif. — The premiere mid-major conference on the West Coast just got a bit stronger, with the addition of Augusta University for Golf and UC Davis for Beach Volleyball, both as affiliate members. Both of these programs will begin competition in the WCC in the 2026-27 academic year, and will add an extra level of depth to these highly competitive sports. 

UC Davis is no stranger to Saint Mary's Beach Volleyball. The Gaels and Aggies have squared off seven times over the last five years, with the Gaels holding a slight four game to three advantage over their regional foes to the Northeast. The Aggies, whose program was founded in 2019, have enjoyed their first three straight winning seasons, dating back to 2023, including a 20-12 mark in 2023. The program just hired Head Coach Ari Homayun, who looks to keep the positive momentum rolling in Davis.

Augusta University brings a unique position to the WCC as they are a Division II member for all of their athletic programs except for men's and women's golf. Both golf programs have been affiliate members of the Southland Conference since 2021 and will now join the WCC to add to a rising golf conference, one that saw four programs earn NCAA Regional bids in 2025.     

Augusta brings a decorated men's golf history to the WCC as they won back-to-back National Championships in 2010 and 2011 with well known professional golfer Patrick Reed representing the Jaguars on both squads. This past season, Augusta won the Southland Conference Championships by nine strokes to earn a trip to the Tallahassee NCAA Regional. There, they finished three-under-par and were the fifth and final team to qualify for Nationals. The Jaguars are under relatively new leadership in head coach Steven Paine as he was hired back in 2022 but has taken Augusta to three straight NCAA Regionals and continues to have the program moving in an upward trajectory.  

The full release from the West Coast Conference can be found HERE or at wccsports.com. 

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