Homecoming Celebrates New Wave of Triton Pride

“Homecoming reflects the vibrant UC San Diego spirit connecting generations of Tritons,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “It’s a time for all to share in the legacies, passion and pride that continue to move this university forward. As we gather to celebrate our past and present — and cheer on our championship-winning basketball teams — we also look toward a future full of new opportunities for our alumni to engage with campus.”

Raise the banners

After making history as the first university to send both its men’s and women’s basketball teams to the NCAA Division I Championship Tournament in the first year of eligibility, UC San Diego invites the Triton community to celebrate the unveiling and raising of the 2025 Big West Championship banners at LionTree Arena before each Homecoming basketball game. Fans attending the women’s game against Denver on Nov. 7 and the men’s game against Houston Christian on Nov. 8 have the opportunity to receive a mini-replica banner.

New seasons, same motivation

Heading into the 2025-26 season, Triton women’s basketball guard Junaé Mahan said, “My teammates and I are approaching this upcoming season as if last year’s championship ‘doesn’t exist’ in a way. It’s a goal-oriented mindset that we have — work hard enough to get back to that stage holding another Big West Championship trophy.”

Third-year guard Aidan Burke from the Triton men’s basketball team shared that his team is taking a similar approach. “We are just going to tell ourselves that we haven’t earned anything yet,” he said. “This is basically a new team so we have to kind of see ourselves as the underdog and try to hold up that standard that we had last year.”

In addition to the games, Homecoming weekend is also hosting two new events — the Triton Bash and Triton Fan Fest — to amp up school spirit and kick off the new season of Division I athletics. These pre-game gatherings will feature everything from food, performances, giveaways and lawn games to elevate the captivating fandom surrounding both basketball teams and their milestone achievements.

“Knowing that the whole community has our back, nothing beats it,” said Burke. “We’re going to try to entertain everyone, have a great season and just make UC San Diego proud.”

And in a message to UC San Diego alumni and fans, Mahan added, “Thank you for all you’ve gone through and the change you’ve advocated for to make our present possible. We appreciate all the love and support you’ve shared, which I’m sure will continue to carry us through another great season!”

Connections and discoveries

Maria Nguyen ’99 can hardly believe the amount of coffee options on campus these days. Despite her kids teasing her for being “the worst” tour guide amid the new buildings and amenities, she’s made coming back to UC San Diego a family tradition.

“I really love Homecoming because of the events,” Nguyen said. “I try to sign up for as many as possible. Academics have always been really strong at UC San Diego, but the team spirit and energy for Triton sports these days are next level."

As a scholar-athlete at UC San Diego, Nguyen found lifelong friends who would later serve as bridesmaids in each other's weddings. And after 12 years living abroad in China, she moved back to California and returned to UC San Diego to reconnect and rediscover her sense of community. Over the past three years, she’s continued to expand her Triton network as president of the Orange County Regional Alumni Club.

“Playing tennis was probably the most rewarding experience I had in college. It gave me lasting experiences and memories, so I just want to share that with more people and encourage them — especially incoming students — to join clubs and get involved,” said Nguyen. “It’s all about just putting yourself out there and making connections.”

Making connections is what Homecoming is all about. From a celebration for Athletics’ newest hall-of-famers to the Golden Triton Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 1975 and various school and affinity events, alumni are bound to discover what’s new and exciting at UC San Diego.

On the horizon

If it’s been some time (or even a month) since your last visit, you’ll notice campus doesn’t look quite the same. There’s something big under construction: the Triton Alumni and Welcome Center.

“The Triton Alumni and Welcome Center embodies the University’s commitment to our alumni community and the vision of our volunteer leaders to create a true alumni home at the heart of campus,” said Shara Freeman Hoefel, assistant vice chancellor of Alumni Relations. “As the University continues to lead with innovation and transformational growth, the Triton Center stands as a symbol of Triton pride and a reminder that alumni will always have a place at their alma mater. It represents the lasting bond between alumni and UC San Diego — one that supports a lifetime of connection, engagement and shared pride.”

Expected to open in 2026, the Triton Center will provide centralized student support services, a showcase for Triton distinctions, an anchor for campus arts, communal spaces and yet another reason to come back for Homecoming next year.

Homecoming 2025 Signature Events

Nov. 7 | Women's Basketball vs. Denver

The UC San Diego women’s basketball team will host Denver at LionTree Arena. Join the Tritons for Homecoming and celebrate history as we unveil the 2025 women's basketball Big West championship banner.

Nov. 8 | Triton Bash

Kick off another year of Division I athletics and celebrate last year's historic championship seasons for both the men's and women's basketball teams! Enjoy refreshments, a pop-up UC San Diego Bookstore with exclusive gear, sign-making and face-painting stations, fun giveaways and spirited surprises.

Nov. 8 | Triton Fan Fest

Get in the game day spirit leading up to the men's basketball game vs. Houston Christian. This ticketed event will include music, lawn games, a performance from the UC San Diego spirit groups and more.

Nov. 8 | Men's Basketball vs. Houston Christian

Cheer on the men’s basketball team as they compete against Houston Christian at LionTree Arena. Celebrate the championship banner raising and get your miniature replica banner!

For a full list of events and details, visit the Homecoming website.