was ranked #43 in U.S. News & World Report' Western Regional Colleges ranking, and was named by The Princeton Review as one of its 124 “Best Western” Colleges. Vanguard was named in the 2012-13 list of Christian Colleges of Distinction and was 99th on the Forbes list of best universities in the West. Athletics The Vanguard athletic teams are called the Lions. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) for most of its sports since the 1986–87 academic year; while its men's & women's wrestling teams compete in the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC). Vanguard competes in 20 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, track & field, volleyball and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, dance, golf, soccer, sideline dance, softball, stunt, track & field, volleyball and wrestling. Accomplishments In 2014, Vanguard won the NAIA Division I men's basketball championship in Kansas City, Missouri. In 2008, the women's basketball team won the NAIA Division I National Championship in Jackson, Tennessee. Facilities "The Pit" - men's and women's Basketball, Stunt, men's and women's Volleyball Dean Harvey Field - Baseball Soccer Complex - Soccer Softball Complex - Softball Notable alumni and faculty Daniel Amen, psychiatrist and author Heidi Baker, Christian missionary and author Ila Borders, professional female baseball player Stephanie Borowicz, Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Ralph Carmichael, jazz and contemporary Christian musician and arranger Cubbie Fink, musician Jason Frenn, Missionary Evangelist, conference speaker, and author José Rojas, professional baseball player Julius Kim, President of The Gospel Coalition and former professor of Westminster Seminary California Brent Kutzle, musician Larry Mantle, radio show host Emily Rose, actress References External links Official athletics website Buildings and structures in Costa Mesa, California Council for Christian Colleges and Universities Educational institutions established in 1920 Pentecostalism in California Religion in Orange County, California Schools accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Universities and colleges in Orange County, California Universities and colleges affiliated with the Assemblies of God 1920 establishments in California Private universities and colleges in California