The Colorado Mesa University men's and women's tennis programs will re-join the Pacific West Conference (PacWest) as affiliate members for the 2026-27 season. Previously, the Mavericks played independently during the 2025-26 season after five years in the PacWest from 2020-25. CMU remains in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference for all other sports, making it the sole tennis-playing institution within the RMAC. The rejoining is seen as advantageous for giving student-athletes a competitive home and a pathway to the NCAA Tournament.

By the Numbers
  • CMU women's and men's teams will be among 13 women's and 8 men's teams in the 2026-27 PacWest.
  • The PacWest schedule will feature a single round robin format in spring 2027, with championships starting on April 17, 2027.
Yes, But

While rejoining the PacWest provides competitive advantages, CMU's other sports remain outside this conference, which may impact overall institutional cohesiveness in athletic competition.

State of Play
  • The CMU tennis teams can now compete for weekly, year-end, and academic awards within the PacWest structure.
  • The new conference schedule mandates a complete round robin, increasing competitive parity among member teams.
What's Next

The Mavericks will prepare for a competitive reinstatement in the PacWest, aiming to leverage the structure for NCAA Tournament qualifications and overall team development.

Bottom Line

CMU's return to the PacWest for tennis marks a strategic move that enhances student-athlete experience and competition, positioning the Mavericks for success in the upcoming seasons.