For the second time in 2024, a California Pacific Conference member university has closed its doors.
On Friday, April 27, the University of St. Katherine announced it was entering bankruptcy proceedings and ceasing operations at the end of the semester. The small (about 300 students) school in San Marcos is one of the few Christian colleges in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
USK was founded in 2010, and competed in 13 sports. It was probably best known outside the region for playing an annual exhibition game against San Diego State in men’s basketball.
The Firebirds finished the 2024 baseball season with a 5-23 overall record, 4-16 in conference.
USK has planned to transfer to the Golden State Athletic Conference next year – another NAIA conference. With the demise of USK and the earlier closing of the University of of Antelope Valley, the Cal Pac conference is now down to 11 baseball participants.
This summer, three additional schools are scheduled to move to the GSAC: Benedictine–Mesa, Embry–Riddle at Prescott, and Park–Gilbert.