Ain’t No Mountain High, Ain’t No Valley Low: Triton Tide Rising 

Written by Charlie Walther

 From Division III to March Madness: UC San Diego’s Historic Basketball Ascent 

 UC San Diego (UCSD) Basketball is what some might call a heater, sending both the men’s and women’s teams to March Madness in their first year of eligibility. Jumping from Division II to Division I in 2020, the university made sweeping changes to ensure that both programs were equipped to succeed. Financial support, staff expansion (adding roughly 135 members), and an increase in scholarships all helped lay the foundation. Under Athletic Director Earl Edwards, Coaches Eric Olen (men’s team) and Heidi Vanderveer (women’s team) have taken these teams to the biggest stage, leaving the sports world in awe, wondering how they did it—and why they can’t replicate it. 

Athletics are often referred to as the front porch of a university, and for UC San Diego, the recent success in basketball has become a symbol of the deeper “winning culture” that defines the institution. A world-class university in academics, research, and location, UCSD’s athletic achievements extend that same commitment to excellence. Student-athletes, alumni, and fans take great pride in this achievement, emphasizing that their success on the court reflects the university’s commitment to both academic and athletic distinction. This milestone not only raises UC San Diego’s profile academically but also highlights its growing athletic prowess, helping to establish the university as a nationally recognized institution. 

For the UC San Diego Tritons, the path to March Madness has been anything but ordinary. It’s a story of transformation, resilience, and muzzling doubters at every level. Once a Division III program with no illusions of grandeur, the Tritons now find themselves at the forefront of college basketball, a bona fide contender on the sport’s biggest stage. To truly appreciate their journey, you must rewind the clock and trace the steps of this unlikely rise. 

UC San Diego’s basketball journey offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of a program over three distinct eras: Division III (1965–2000), Division II (2000–2020), and the ongoing transition into Division I (2020–present). The program’s historical progression is marked by incremental growth, coaching changes, and increasing competitiveness as the Tritons have carved their niche in collegiate basketball. Coaches like Tom Marshall showed flashes, but the real shift began in 2000, when the Tritons jumped to Division II. It wasn’t until Eric Olen and Heidi VanDerveer’s head coaching tenure, both starting in 2012/2013, that the program began to flex its potential. 

Men’s Basketball: Humble Beginnings to Big West Dominance 

Division III Beginnings: Planting the Seeds 

The men’s program first tipped off in 1965 and struggled to find consistent success through the years. Coaches like Neale Stoner (38–32, .543) and Barry Cunningham (81–107, .431) laid the groundwork for consistent play, but it wasn’t until Tom Marshall’s turn (1983–1994) that the program reached its peak as a Division III team. Marshall led the Tritons to six NCAA Division III tournament appearances, with a 185-105 record. Under Greg Lanthier (1994–2000), UCSD bridged its Division III success to its future Division II transition. 

Division II: Building a Powerhouse 

In 2000, UCSD officially joined Division II, where the team began to establish itself as a top-tier competitor in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). The team saw success early, but it was the hiring of Eric Olen in 2013 that took the program to the next level. Under Olen, the Tritons became a Division II powerhouse, winning four straight CCAA titles and making the NCAA Division II tournament five consecutive times between 2015 and 2020. The 2019-20 season, with a 30-1 record, was a crowning achievement. 

The Jump to Division I: Patience Pays Off 

The transition to Division I was a monumental challenge, requiring increased funding, better facilities, and a reimagining of what the program could be. UCSD joined the Big West Conference in 2020 but spent four years ineligible for postseason play. The first few years were a learning experience, but by the 2023-24 season, the team showed flashes of its potential. In 2024-25, the Tritons broke through with a 30-5 record, one of the best in the nation, and advanced into the Big West Conference title chase, proving they belonged at the Division I level. Winning the Big West Chip, in their first year of March Madness eligibility, the Trotons are dancing. 

Cinderella by the Sea: The Stories Behind the ’24-’25 Tritons 

The UC San Diego Tritons have taken the college basketball world by storm, but their journey isn’t just about stats or rankings—it’s about the compelling stories of the players who’ve powered their rise. Each member of this team brings a unique narrative of grit, transformation, 

and determination. Pieced together from Overseas, DII, and right down the street—Here’s a look at the heart of the Tritons’ success. 

Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones: Thunder From Down Under 

Position: Forward Stats: 19.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG (First in D-I in Free Throw Attempts) 

Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones’s journey from Wellington, New Zealand, to becoming a standout player in NCAA Division I basketball is a testament to his dedication and the enduring influence of his late coach, Kenny McFadden. McFadden, originally from Michigan, came to Wellington to play professionally after two years at Washington State University. He became a Wellington Saints legend, taking the Saints to six straight NBL Grand Finals, and winning four of them. With his jersey in the rafters, McFadden stayed in Wellington to coach. For six years, McFadden trained Tait-Jones daily, with early morning sessions at the ASB Sports Centre in Wellington shaping his foundational skills and discipline. 

McFadden’s mentorship not only transformed Tait-Jones’s game but also opened doors. Through his guidance, Tait-Jones earned a scholarship to the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, a Division II program where he spent three years refining his craft. Reflecting on his coach’s impact, Tait-Jones credits McFadden with his development, stating, “I wouldn’t be here without him.” After his tenure at Hawai‘i Hilo, Tait-Jones took a leap into the highly competitive NCAA Division I landscape, transferring to UC San Diego and joining the Big West Conference. Here, he has thrived, leading his team in scoring, rebounding, and assists! His all-around game has been pivotal for the Tritons, and he literally wears his country on his sleeve. 

Tyler McGhie: Sharpshooter with Something to Prove 

Position: Guard Stats: 16.5 PPG, 7th in D-I 3-Pointers Made 

After a stellar career at Southern Nazarene (DII), where he earned conference player of the year honors, he made the leap to UCSD, determined to prove he could compete at the highest level. His unorthodox “no-dip” shooting style—a quick release without lowering the ball—has made him one of the most efficient scorers in the nation. McGhie has drained over 100 three-pointers this season, earning a reputation as a deadly sharpshooter. But his story is about more than numbers. From playing in front of tiny crowds at D-II gyms to shining under the bright lights of March Madness, this kid is a baller. 

Hayden Gray: Señor Glue 

Position: Guard Stats: 11.2 PPG, 1st in D-I in Steal Percentage 

San Diego Native, Santa Fe Christian Alum, and State Champion… Hayden Gray is a do-it-all transfer from Azusa Pacific. Becoming an elite defender in Division 1, Gray proved 

himself at the D-II ranks and now leads the nation in steal percentage. Outside of padding the stat book, Gray isn’t afraid of the “dirty work” that it takes to win. With a chip on his shoulder from D-II, representing Solana Beach, he’s hustled his way into the big dance. 

Tip off vs Michigan in Denver came down to the last shot as the fifth-seeded Wolverines survived a thriller, escaping with a 68-65 victory at Ball Arena. Michigan’s Vladislav Goldin scored 14 points, including two crucial free throws in the final 20 seconds, while Tyler McGhie’s 25-point performance kept the Tritons within striking distance, his “no-dip” three-ball rimmed out as the buzzer buzzed. 

Despite a slow start, UC San Diego erased a 15-point deficit in the second half, briefly taking a 65-63 lead with 2:29 remaining before Michigan’s Tre Donaldson drained three to take the lead. Olen’s transfer-heavy roster proved tournament-ready, giving Michigan all it could handle. The game wasn’t without controversy, as a missed out-of-bounds call on Michigan’s Will Tschetter sparked debate, though it didn’t overshadow UCSD’s remarkable effort. Michigan went on to beat Texas A&M (heading to sweet sixteen) while UC San Diego left with their Cinderella story, solidifying their emergence as a program to watch. 

Women’s Basketball: Rising to New Heights 

The UC San Diego women’s basketball team has followed a similar trajectory, transitioning from Division III to Division I with impressive results. The team’s transformation mirrors the men’s journey, as they’ve gone from a Division III program to a Division II powerhouse, and now a Division I contender. Under the leadership of head coach Heidi Vanderveer, the women’s team has made significant strides in the Big West Conference. 

Division III Beginnings: Laying the Foundation 

The UCSD women’s basketball team also started in Division III, where they faced similar challenges in balancing athletics with UCSD’s academic reputation. Under coaches like Judy Malone (1976–2005) and Charity Elliott, the women’s team started to gain a reputation for their 

disciplined play. Their success in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) helped establish a strong foundation for their future transition to Division II. 

Division II: A Steady Climb 

On May 25, 2012, everything changed as Heidi Vanderveer was hired. From there UC San Diego’s women’s team became a consistent competitor. Under Vanderveer’s leadership, the team became a dominant force in the CCAA, winning multiple titles and earning several NCAA tournament berths. The 2012-2013 season was a standout, with the Tritons advancing to the regional finals, showcasing their potential to compete at the highest level. 

The Jump to Division I: Embracing the Challenge

 

Sumayah Sugapong: Local Hero, Position: Guard, Stats: 14.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.6 APG

Like the men’s team, the women’s team faced growing pains when they transitioned to Division I in 2020. But Vanderveer’s focus on player development and building a resilient team culture paid off. After a few years of adjustment, the women’s team made their mark in 2025, earning their first-ever bid to the NCAA Tournament as a #16 seed in the First Four. 

Like Hayden Gray, Sumayah Sugapong represents San Diego, attending high school at La Jolla Country Day… which is on the same street as UCSD. She is a very special player, transforming UC San Diego women’s basketball. This year Sugapong led the Tritons to their first-ever Big West Championship, scoring 11 points and snagging 7 off the glass. Sugapong’s decision to stay local has not only elevated UCSD but also inspired young athletes in her community. With 

professional ambitions overseas, she’s far from finished—but her impact on the Tritons is already unforgettable. 

A City United 

San Diego has always been a sports town, but UCSD’s basketball success is galvanizing the city in a new way. In the absence of the Chargers, and re-building stage of SDSU’s football team… There is a gap in San Diego residents fandom. With San Diego State’s recent terror in the collegiate basketball space, this city has really become a hoops hotspot. From alumni to die hard fans, to regular residents—the Tritons have captured the community’s attention. LionTree Arena has become a gathering place, uniting people who are as proud of UCSD’s academic reputation as they are of its growing athletic dominance. The recently renovated facility serves as both a state-of-the-art athletic venue and a community hub. Once known as RIMAC Arena, its 2018 makeover added retractable seating, a VIP skybox, and an impressive 50-foot Daktronics video display. 

From Division III to Division II and now to Division I, the Tritons’ story is one of believing in the process. These teams aren’t just Cinderella stories—they’re built to last, constantly evolving. Edwards at the helm, Olen and Vanderveer’s programs continue to grow, UC San Diego’s basketball future looks brighter than ever. The road to success has been long, but it’s only just beginning. The stories of Tait-Jones, McGhie, Gray, Sugapong, and their teammates are just the beginning of a new era for UC San Diego Athletics. The tide is rising in La Jolla, time to see how far they can go.