The University of Texas at Dallas has officially completed its transition to NCAA Division II, with full membership status beginning September 1. The move was approved on July 10 by the Division II Membership Committee and the Division II Management Council, concluding a three-year process that included a two-year provisional period.
During the provisional phase, the university competed in the Lone Star Conference but had limited eligibility for postseason championships. UT Dallas accepted an invitation to join the Lone Star Conference in 2023 and began full conference competition in 2025. With the completion of the provisional period, student-athletes in all 15 sponsored sports are now eligible for Division II postseason play.
The university previously competed in Division III and the American Southwest Conference for 26 years. The shift to Division II places UT Dallas in a competitive tier that bridges Division I and the scholarship-prohibited Division III. Division II includes nearly 300 member institutions across the United States and Canada.
University President Prabhas V. Moghe described the transition as a defining milestone for the institution. He noted that the move reflects the steady evolution of the athletics program and the broader strength of the university. Moghe stated that the transition positions the school to compete at a higher level while maintaining its commitment to academic excellence and student-athlete success.
Angela Marin, the director of athletics since 2022, characterized the process as both a sprint and a marathon. She highlighted the intense daily work required to rewrite policies, coordinate NCAA visits, and manage extensive reporting. Marin thanked student-athletes for their loyalty during the provisional period, noting they competed without postseason opportunities and excelled in both academics and competition.
The university has already received recognition for its academic performance, earning the NCAA Division II Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence. Last spring, the Comets secured their first Lone Star Conference title when Brooke Yount won individual medalist honors at the women’s golf championship. The men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and volleyball teams play in the 3,200-seat gymnasium within the Activity Center.