The Cal State Fullerton Titans have built a powerful tradition in NCAA athletics, earning respect through decades of success. Known especially for Fullerton Titans baseball and Cal State Fullerton Titans basketball, the university’s teams have secured conference titles, national recognition, and produced standout athletes who represent the school’s dedication to excellence on and off the field.
College Sports Established
1969
Location
Fullerton, California
College Name
California State University, Fullerton
Collegiate History
1970 - Present / NCAA Division 1
Conference History
1990 - Present / Big West Conference
1975 - 1989 / Pacific Coast Athletic Association
1970 - 1974 / California Collegiate Athletic Association
Nickname
Titans - As a sports fan, you’re probably familiar with the Cal State Fullerton Titans. But do you know where their nickname originated? The story behind the name is quite interesting, and has been around since 1957.
Cal State Fullerton Titans Origin
The original school mascot was a knight in shining armor named “Sir Titan,” who represented an ideal of strength and courage. When Cal State Fullerton officially adopted "Titans" as its official nickname in 1960, it was meant to represent those same ideals of strength and courage that Sir Titan embodied.
The choice of "Titans" also had another purpose: to honor the Greek gods who were believed to have created mankind from clay – thus making them influential figures from mythology that could be looked up to by students at CSUF for inspiration. At the same time, they pursued their academic goals on campus. In addition, many other colleges across America were adopting similar nicknames during this period (such as USC's Trojans), so choosing Titans kept CSUF competitive with other schools when it came time for NCAA playoffs or tournaments!
Today, the Cal State Fullerton Titans are one of just two teams representing California in Division I college athletics (the other being UC Berkeley). With such strong ties between its namesake mythological characters and modern-day student-athletes alike, there's no doubt why this team has become such an iconic symbol throughout Southern California – not only amongst collegiate fans but also professional ones too!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 4
2004, 1995, 1984, 1979
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1965
- 1970
- 1979
- 1995
- 2017
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Cal State Fullerton Titans men’s basketball team is founded
In 1965: Cal State Fullerton Titans men’s basketball team is founded. -
Cal State Fullerton Titans men’s soccer team wins its first conference championship
In 1970, the Cal State Fullerton Titans men’s soccer team won its first-ever conference championship in the Southern California Soccer Association. The team was coached by Al Mistri and finished the season with an overall record of 8-4-3 and a conference record of 3-0-1. The championship was the first major achievement for the program, which had been founded just a ... -
Cal State Fullerton Titans baseball team wins its first College World Series championship
In 1979: Cal State Fullerton Titans baseball team wins its first College World Series championship. -
Mark Kotsay – lead the team to its first College World Series championship
Mark Kotsay is one of the most successful baseball players to come out of the Cal State Fullerton Titans baseball program. He played for the Titans from 1993 to 1996, during which time he earned numerous accolades and helped lead the team to its first College World Series championship in 1995. During his time at Cal State Fullerton, Kotsay was ... -
Cal State Fullerton baseball team made it to the NCAA tournament for 26th time
In 2017, the Cal State Fullerton baseball team made it to the NCAA tournament for the 26th time in program history. They advanced to the Stanford Regional, where they defeated BYU and Stanford to earn a spot in the Super Regionals. However, they were unable to advance to the College World Series, as they were defeated by Long Beach State ...
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Cal State Fullerton Titans
The Cal State Fullerton Titans are one of the most storied and successful NCAA Division I athletic programs, especially in their long-standing rivalry with the CSU Northridge Matadors. Since the university’s founding in 1957 and its entry into Division I athletics, the Cal State Fullerton Titans have produced legendary athletes and coaches while securing numerous national and conference titles. Their programs have become synonymous with excellence in college sports.
The Cal State Fullerton Titans basketball program started competing at the NCAA Division I level in the 1970s. Under head coach Bobby Dye, the Titans men’s basketball team achieved immediate success, winning a conference championship and reaching the Sweet Sixteen in the 1978 NCAA Tournament. That memorable season featured star guard Greg Bunch and a run that firmly established the Cal State Fullerton Titans basketball program on the national stage. The team has since continued to earn Big West Conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances, making it one of the conference’s most consistent programs.
In Fullerton Titans baseball, the university has achieved even greater national recognition. Since 1975, the baseball team has made 18 trips to the College World Series, winning four National Championships (1979, 1984, 1995, and 2004). The Fullerton Titans baseball program ranks among the top in the nation for College World Series appearances and has produced numerous Major League Baseball players, including Mark Kotsay, Kurt Suzuki, and Phil Nevin. This dominance has made Fullerton Titans baseball a benchmark for success in NCAA athletics.
Fullerton Titans Achievements
The women’s athletic programs have also built an impressive reputation. The women’s basketball team has achieved multiple Big West Conference titles and postseason appearances, including runs in the WNIT. The softball program remains one of the strongest in the region, capturing Big West championships and making frequent NCAA Tournament appearances, including Super Regional runs in recent seasons. These successes highlight the growing strength of women’s sports at Cal State Fullerton.
Beyond competition, the Cal State Fullerton Titans emphasize academic excellence and community involvement. Many athletes have earned Academic All-American honors, and teams regularly participate in community service projects. This dedication to both academics and athletics ensures that Cal State Fullerton Titans basketball, Fullerton Titans baseball, and other sports remain respected nationwide.
With a rich legacy of championships, star athletes, and consistent national recognition, the Cal State Fullerton Titans continue to be a premier destination for student-athletes. Whether it’s the powerhouse tradition of Fullerton Titans baseball or the historic achievements of Cal State Fullerton Titans basketball, the Titans stand as one of the most admired programs in the Big West Conference and NCAA Division I sports.
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