It was a banner year for Coyote Athletics, and the San Bernardino City Council wanted to make sure the accomplishments of the women’ volleyball, baseball and men’s golf teams were recognized.

Mayor Helen Tran and members of the City Council honored the three Coyotes teams that made it to their respective NCAA Division II post-season championship tournaments, honoring them with certificates of recognition during the June 3 City Council meeting. Each read, “Congratulations on a phenomenal season. Your dedication and your commitment to representing CSUSB & the City of San Bernardino with pride and integrity are truly commendable.”

Baseball head coach Mike Nadeau thanked the city for its support, especially its work to maintain Fiscalini Field, where the team played its home games and hosted the California Collegiate Athletic Association Championship Tournament in May. “So for us to host and to win this thing was great,” he said. “And it's all because the city gave us the opportunity.”

Kim Cherniss, head coach of the volleyball team, said it was important for the athletes to see that the community supports them. 

“In times when, you know, there's a lot of negativity going on, you can believe that there are some really positive things happening at Cal State San Bernardino,” she said. “Our baseball, golf team – all of our teams – had tremendous years, but it's so exciting to see three of our programs here represented and playing at such a high championship level. It was really exciting to see Cajon (High School) golf here (also honored) and their story. So it just makes me really optimistic about the things that are happening in San Bernardino.”

The women’s volleyball team began the year by winning its seventh CCAA tournament title, and the Coyotes went on to compete in the NCAA West Regional, advancing to the quarterfinal round against Point Loma Nazarene. 

The baseball team, which hosted the CCAA Championship Tournament at San Bernardino’s Fiscalini Field, won the conference crown – its first in 24 years – and advanced to the NCAA West Regional, also against Point Loma Nazarene.

The men’s golf team came close to winning a CCAA title, pushing conference champion Chico State to a three-hole playoff, and qualifying for the NCAA West Regional, becoming the only team in the region to advance to match play and advancing to the national quarterfinal.