The Cal State Northridge Matadors boast a proud legacy of success in NCAA Division I athletics. Known for their competitive spirit, the program features strong traditions in Northridge Matadors basketball and Cal State Northridge Matadors baseball. With decades of conference titles and national appearances, the Matadors remain a respected force in collegiate sports.
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.
Cal State Northridge Matadors Origin
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.
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* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Cal State Northridge Matadors
The Cal State Northridge Matadors have built a proud tradition of excellence in NCAA Division I athletics since the program’s founding in 1958. Known for their spirited rivalry with the CSU Fullerton Titans, the Matadors have earned recognition across multiple sports. From Northridge Matadors basketball to Cal State Northridge Matadors baseball, soccer, softball, track and field, and tennis, the program reflects decades of competitive success.
The Northridge Matadors basketball program stands out for its memorable performances. Most recently, the CSUN men’s team thrilled fans by advancing to the Sweet 16 after an impressive run through Big West Conference play. This achievement reinforced the Matadors’ reputation as a serious contender in NCAA Division I basketball, adding to a long list of postseason appearances and conference titles.
Success is not limited to basketball. The women’s soccer team became back-to-back Big West champions in 2017 and 2018, earning two consecutive NCAA Tournament berths and establishing themselves as one of the conference’s elite programs. This competitive edge mirrors the strength found in other sports, where Matador athletes continue to excel against top-ranked opponents nationwide.
The Cal State Northridge Matadors baseball program has also been a consistent force, producing multiple MLB draft picks and earning national attention with conference championships and NCAA postseason appearances. Alumni from both Northridge Matadors basketball and Cal State Northridge Matadors baseball have gone on to professional careers, showcasing the depth of talent developed at CSUN.
Matadors Achievements
Beyond athletic success, the Cal State Northridge Matadors emphasize academic achievement and community involvement. Numerous student-athletes earn conference academic honors each year, while teams regularly participate in service projects that impact the local community. This commitment to excellence on and off the field strengthens the Matadors’ legacy.
With decades of championship-caliber performances, outstanding alumni like NBA veteran Lamond Murray and MLB manager Joe Maddon, and thriving programs in Northridge Matadors basketball and Cal State Northridge Matadors baseball, CSUN continues to be a beacon of pride for students, alumni, and fans. The Cal State Northridge Matadors remain one of the Big West Conference’s most respected and exciting programs, embodying the true spirit of competition.
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