College Sports Established
1958
Location
Northridge, California
College Name
California State University, Northridge
Collegiate History
1990 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1958 - 1990 / Division II
Conference History
2001 - Present / Big West Conference
1996 - 2000 / Big Sky Conference
1990 - 1996 / Independent
Nickname
Matadors - As a sports fan, you’ve likely heard of the Cal State Northridge Matadors. But do you know where their nickname comes from? It turns out that this NCAA Division I school has an interesting story behind its mascot.
The Cal State Northridge Matadors were established 1958 as San Fernando Valley College. The college was originally known as the "Braves." Still, when it became part of the California State University system in 1972, it changed its name and mascot to something more fitting for a university-level institution. After much deliberation, they settled on “Matador”—a nod to Spanish culture and bullfighting tradition found throughout Southern California's history with Mexico.
CSUN adopted two new mascots to emphasize these roots further: Toro (the Bull) and Don (the matador). In addition to visually representing their identity at games and events across campus, these characters also serve as ambassadors for community outreach initiatives such as educational programs about Hispanic heritage or animal rights advocacy campaigns against bullfighting practices worldwide.
Today—more than four decades after becoming an official NCAA Division I athletics member—Cal State Northridge proudly stands by its unique identity represented by Toro & Don. These two powerful symbols represent strength through courage while honoring local cultural traditions at every turn!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1960
- 1968
- 1978
- 2009
- 2013
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Cal State Northridge Matadors men’s basketball team is founded
In 1960: The Cal State Northridge Matadors men’s basketball team is founded. The team has gone on to win several conference championships and has made several appearances in the NCAA tournament. -
Cal State Northridge Matadors men’s soccer team is founded
In 1968: The Cal State Northridge Matadors men’s soccer team is founded. The team has had a successful history, winning several conference championships and making several appearances in the NCAA tournament. -
CSUN Matadors Win Division II Baseball Championship
In 1978: The Cal State Northridge Matadors baseball team wins the Division II National Championship. The team has had a successful history, winning several conference championships and making several appearances in the NCAA tournament. -
Deon Tresvant basketball Pro
Deon Tresvant: Played basketball for the Matadors from 2007-2009, and was a key player on the team that made a surprising run to the NCAA tournament in 2009. Tresvant went on to play professionally overseas. -
Cal State Northridge Matadors women’s soccer team wins the Big West Conference championship
In 2013: The Cal State Northridge Matadors women’s soccer team wins the Big West Conference championship. The team has had a successful history, winning several conference championships and making several appearances in the NCAA tournament.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Matadors
Most recently, the CSUN Men’s Basketball team made it to the Sweet 16 of March Madness after an incredible run through Big West Conference play last season. This was only one example of this program's many successes as an NCAA Division I Athletics member.
The Women's Soccer team also made headlines when they became back-to-back Big West Champions in 2017 and 2018 while making two consecutive appearances at the NCAA Tournament during those same years; both teams are consistently competitive year after year with solid showings against top-ranked opponents from across America’s collegiate landscape.
In addition to these impressive accomplishments by individual sports programs within CSUN Athletics Department, there is also tremendous pride taken in having some successful alumni who went on to become professional athletes or coaches, such as former NBA player Lamond Murray (Cleveland Cavaliers) or current Major League Baseball Manager Joe Maddon (Chicago Cubs). These individuals prove that excellence can be found not just on campus but beyond too!
For any true sports fan looking for an exciting university experience filled with championship-caliber athletics, look no further than Cal State Northridge – home of The Mighty Matadors!
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