Westcliff Surf Team Rides Wave of Success Under Head Coach Lucas Taub
Westcliff University’s surf team is making waves—both literally and figuratively—on the collegiate surf circuit. In just a few short years, the team has transformed from a small program with one or two surfers to a competitive powerhouse that is consistently challenging and outperforming NCAA Division I schools like USC, UCLA, and San Diego State. Leading the charge is head coach Lucas Taub, a former Westcliff student-athlete who has stepped into his coaching role with passion, dedication, and a vision for the program’s continued growth.
A Season of Unstoppable Momentum
The Warriors have been on fire this season, finishing in the Top 5 of every major event and securing their first-ever first-place finish at the Oceanside competition. With standout performances from surfers like Taylor Stacy and Jordy Collins, the team has proven that it belongs among the best in the nation.
During a grueling final stretch of competition in Huntington Beach, Westcliff surfers competed in more heats than usual, pushing their limits and showcasing their endurance. The result? A string of podium finishes that cemented their reputation as a team to watch. Stacy, who won the first three events of the season, made it to three finals in one weekend, while teammate Ninon Mattei steadily improved with each competition, culminating in a fourth-place finish at Huntington Beach. On the men’s side, local talent Blaze Roche also had a breakthrough performance, reaching his first final and finishing fourth overall.
Despite placing second in the most recent event, the team earned its highest point total of the season—a testament to its upward trajectory. “We’re getting better by the event. We have a lot of momentum heading into states,” said Taub. “The energy, the team camaraderie, the focus—it’s all coming together at the right time. We’re coming for that championship ring.”
A Coach Who Leads by Example
As a former surf team student-athlete himself for multiple years at Westcliff, Lucas brings a unique perspective to his coaching style. He understands firsthand the balance required to excel in both academics and athletics, and he uses that experience to mentor his surfers not just as competitors, but as student-athletes and future professionals.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” Taub shared. “Going from being a student-athlete to head coach has been a privilege. I get to work with an amazing group of talented, hardworking individuals who truly care about improving both in and out of the water.”
Westcliff’s surf team operates like a close-knit family, with a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support. Taub attributes this to the program’s emphasis on Westcliff’s 5 C’s: Character, Culture, Community, Commitment, and Championships. “I bring the five C’s culture to my team through leading by example, creating a positive environment where everyone is considered family to one another,” Taub explained. “Winning championships and graduating with a degree. That’s what we’re here for.”
Breaking Barriers: The First University to Offer Surfing Scholarships
What makes Westcliff’s surf program truly special is its commitment to recognizing and elevating the sport of surfing at the collegiate level. Unlike most universities, where surfing is often relegated to club status, Westcliff treats its surf team like any other varsity sport—complete with scholarships, access to top-tier training resources, and full support from the athletic department.
“Surfing has historically been overlooked in college athletics,” Taub noted. “But Westcliff saw the potential and gave us a platform. We’re not just a club—we’re a team. We have the backing of the university, the same as baseball, basketball, or any other sport. That’s a game-changer.”
This investment in the program is already paying off. The team continues to grow in talent and recognition, attracting high-caliber surfers who want to compete at the highest level while earning a prestigious degree.
Looking Ahead: Eyes on the Championship
With the NSSA Interscholastic State Championships on the horizon, the Warriors are more determined than ever to bring home a title. The competition, set to take place in Cardiff by the Sea, will be a major test of their skill and resilience. But with the momentum they’ve built this season—and the leadership of Coach Taub—the team is ready to make history.
“We’ve grown so much in just a few years, and we’re only getting started,” Taub said. “People are starting to look our way and realizing that we are a winning team and we’re not messing around.” As the team continues its climb to the top, one thing is certain: the horizon over the ocean ahead looks bright for Westcliff University Surf.