The Big West School Spotlight: CSUN

1/9/2026 9:00:00 AM

See the full 2025-26 School Spotlight Series - About, UCSB, CP, LBSU, UCR

CSUN began as a satellite campus of Cal State LA with classes being held in leased classrooms at San Fernando High School in 1952. The official groundbreaking of the present day campus was performed in 1956. The school separated itself as a satellite campus and was named San Fernando Valley State College in 1958. The college officially renamed itself to its present name, California State University, Northridge (CSUN), on June 1, 1972, by action of the Legislature and the Board of Trustees of the California State University.

CSUN has been a member of The Big West since 2001. At the Division II level, the Matadors won 30 national championships before making the transition Division I in 1990, and then into The Big West in 2001. To date, CSUN has won 24 Big West postseason championships and 17 Big West regular-season titles.

SCHOOL FACTS

Location:	Northridge, Calif.
Founded	1958
Nickname:	Matadors
Enrollment:	38,310
Alumni:	400,000+
President:	Dr. Erika D. Beck
Athletic Director:	Ryan Swartwood
Big West Member Since:	2001
Big West Championships:	41 (24 postseason, 17 regular season)

BOLD STORIES

2025 Women’s Soccer Season

The CSUN women’s soccer team had a historic 2025 season, winning The Big West regular-season for just the second time in program history. The Matadors were picked to finish in ninth place at the start of the year and finishing in last place two seasons ago, CSUN secured the regular-season crown with a 6-1-3 (21 points) conference record.

In the process five Matadors were named to the All-Big West Team, and head coach Gina Brewer took home the Coach of the Year honor.

MLS Draft Picks

The CSUN men’s soccer program has produced 16 selections in the MLS SuperDraft and Supplemental Draft.

Year (SuperDraft unless stated otherwise)	Name	Round	Pick	Team
2024	Jamar Ricketts	1	13	San Jose Earthquakes
2022	Giovanni Aguilar	2	49	Vancouver Whitecaps
2021	Danny Trejo	1	14	Los Angeles FC
2016	Trevor Morley	4	81	Portland Timbers
2015	Sagi Lev-Ari	2	35	Columbus Crew
2015	Edwin Rivas	2	37	Toronto FC
2013 Supplemental Draft	Joe Franco	2	21	Chivas USA
2012 Supplemental Draft	Rafael Garcia	2	38	LA Galaxy
2010	Chad Borak	3	40	Colorado Rapids
2008	Sean Franklin	1	4	LA Galaxy
2007 Supplemental Draft	Taylor Canel	2	26	LA Galaxy
2006 Supplemental Draft	Daniel Paladini	2	24	LA Galaxy
2006	Willie Sims	2	23	New England Revolution
2005 Supplemental Draft	Benjamin Benditson	1	10	LA Galaxy
2004	Edwin Miranda	6	54	FC Dallas
2003	Joe Barton	6	55	LA Galaxy

Giovanni Aguilar (top) & Sagi Lev-Ari (bottom)

Trey Knight

Trey Knight graduated from CSUN as one of the most decorated throwers in school history. As a Matador, the Ridgefield, Wash. native was a three-time All-American (twice in indoor, once in outdoor), two-time MPSF weight throw champion, two-time Big West hammer throw champion and The Big West conference record holder in the hammer throw at 77.91m/255’7".

At the 2025 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, Knight posted a personal-best throw of 78.76m/258’4” to finish in second place and qualify for the 2025 IAAF World Championships.

Regarded as one of the premier hammer throwers in the country, Knight is expected to compete and qualify for future World Championships and Olympics competitions.

NOTABLE ALUMS IN THE PROS/OLYMPICS

Florence Griffith Joyner

Marcus Brady

Jamar Ricketts

ACADEMICS

CSUN was named the No. 1 university in terms for having a diverse student body from different economic backgrounds.
According to the Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine, CSUN ranks No. 3 in the number of Hispanic graduates, nationwide.
CSUN ranked No. 8 in social mobility in the nation, changing the social status of a student through education.
CSUN was ranked No. 20 by U.S. News & World Report in its western university rankings. Counting public schools only, CSUN came in at No. 10.
CSUN has been designated as a California Black Serving Institution (BSI), a statewide recognition for advancing Black and African American student success.