Westcliff Surf Makes History at the WSL Virginia Beach Pro
A First for Collegiate Surfing
The World Surf League’s Qualifying Series is the proving ground for the sport’s elite, a stage reserved for professional surfers fighting for their shot at the Championship Tour. But this past weekend at the Virginia Beach Pro, the lineup included something surfing had never seen before: university-backed athletes. Westcliff University became the first school to sponsor its surfers to compete on the QS, funding their travel, training, and entry to the professional circuit.
Westcliff has already redefined what support for surfers looks like, becoming the very first university to offer surf scholarships and treat the program with the same recognition as basketball, soccer, baseball or any other mainstream sport. That commitment has paid off in the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA), where the Warriors have produced state champions, national titles, and beaten major Division I programs. The Virginia Beach Pro, however, marked a new milestone: Westcliff surfers stepping onto professional surfing’s global stage with their school behind them.
A sentiment echoed by state champ, Jordy Collins, a vet on the Westcliff surf team, who said, “Having Westcliff University to back us up on the professional level just helped to make me further feel that our sport is just as legitimate as any other sport. Westcliff is paving the way for young surfers to get a college education and pursue surfing at the highest level, rather than having to choose between the two, which is traditionally what happens.”
Strong Performances in Virginia Beach
The Warriors did not disappoint. Two-time NSSA National Champion Two-time NSSA National Champion Taylor Stacy advanced to the Round of 32 in her first-ever competition at Virginia Beach. Newcomer Titus Kaimana Santucci, Westcliff’s most high-profile signing to date, also reached the Round of 32, narrowly missing a quarterfinal berth by mere hundredths of a point.
Head Coach Lucas Taub, who doubles as a competitor, led by example, battling his way to the finals in the Men’s Open Shortboard division where he placed 5th overall.
With hurricane swells delivering incredible surf, the team also took advantage of downtime to sharpen their skills at a brand-new, high-tech wave pool in the area, blending tradition with innovation in a way that reflects Westcliff’s own approach to the sport.
“It’s Never Been Done Before” 
For the athletes, the chance to compete on surfing’s professional circuit with the full backing of their university was more than just another contest — it was validation.
“To get this kind of opportunity and support from Westcliff is so special,” said Taylor Stacy. “It’s such an amazing feeling to have your school backing you like this and believing in you. It’s so cool that they gave this support to a surf team because it’s never been done before.”
Longboard specialist Kylan Crapenhoft echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how Westcliff is changing the trajectory for surfers nationwide:
“Growing up surfing and competing, there was nothing like this. Surf teams were not treated the same as other sports, with very minimal recognition and no scholarship opportunities. To now be recognized and rewarded for our talent is unbelievable. Westcliff is changing what’s possible for surfers, and I’ll be forever grateful.”
Coach Taub put it simply:
“It’s just incredible what the university is doing for us and for surfing as a whole. To be the first university to offer scholarships is huge. Now, they sent us to the East Coast for the QS, the wave pool, all expenses paid for; it’s mind-blowing and unheard of in the industry. This group treats one another like family, and we’re fired up for the season to come.”
Titus Santucci: A Star in Motion
Among the highlights of Westcliff’s trip was the debut of Titus Kaimana Santucci, a 19-year-old phenom from Encinitas who has already made waves as the first Filipino-American male to qualify for Team USA’s Junior National Surf Team. His cultural impact, academic excellence (4.3 GPA in high school), and competitive success have made him a rising figure in the sport.
His story will be shared with a global audience through Netflix’s upcoming series 1 in 7,641, premiering August 27, 2025. Filmed partly in the Philippines, the feature follows Santucci as he reconnects with his heritage and continues his climb in professional surfing.
Redefining the Future of Surfing
Westcliff’s presence at the WSL Virginia Beach Pro sends a clear message: surfing has arrived as a collegiate sport, and the Warriors are leading the charge. By elevating its athletes with scholarships, travel opportunities, and professional-level competition, Westcliff is helping write a new chapter in surfing’s history.
From the shores of Virginia Beach to the global spotlight of Netflix, the Warriors aren’t just competing, they’re pioneering a movement that proves surfing belongs at the heart of collegiate athletics.