Continuing on its ambitious journey to become the first Mexican member of the National College Athletic Association of the United States (NCAA), CETYS has garnered international attention with reports published in the New York Times and Washington Post, among other media.

International media outlets highlight the challenges the institution will face, as well as the benefits of achieving this historic outcome in the midst of a political climate in which the binational relationship has taken center stage.

Last week, the NCAA made permanent a pilot program that allows each division to invite Canadian or Mexican institutions. Now CETYS must demonstrate that it can meet NCAA’s norms in a process that will see results in the fall of 2018 when, if admitted, a standard three-year provisional membership could begin.

The last time a Mexican University attempted NCAA membership was in 2013, and until today, no other efforts have been made. CETYS achieving membership would enrich the experience of university athletes, increasing their opportunities and strengthening sports competitions in both countries.

«Being part of the NCAA gives our students the opportunity to compete in the international arena against athletes of another level,» said Dr. Fernando León García.

What people are saying: 

Interesting: Cetys University has an ambitious plan to become the first Mexican member of the #NCAA. https://t.co/QottgLSami — Michael Grant (@MichaelGrant_CJ) 1 de mayo de 2017

A university in Mexico is looking to join Division II in the NCAA. They’re nicknamed the Zorros. Sounds awesome. https://t.co/pGwVBs5KTg

— Matt Brown (@MattSBN) 2 de mayo de 2017

Mexican University @cetysuni Wants to Join @NCAA https://t.co/BP5m6wsIQU #ncaa #college #Athletics

— Headed For College (@Headed4College) 2 de mayo de 2017

Cetys University is making an ambitious bid to become the first Mexican member of the NCAA https://t.co/rA6EA2q8Cp — The New York Times (@nytimes) 1 de mayo de 2017

@cetysuni making headlines! Looking to Cross the Border From Mexico, Into the N.C.A.A. https://t.co/U8ix8PHE4a

— Jennifer Fullick (@TCSESINTL) 1 de mayo de 2017

First Mexican University in NCAA. Good for @cetysuni great for #baja. https://t.co/fFVQCNBKxK — Luis Calette (@luiscalette) 1 de mayo de 2017

New York Times cites football as “most” popular sport at Mexican university looking to be first to join NCAA https://t.co/QnWi68Kuov pic.twitter.com/iM93fuWeex

— Football Foundation (@NFFNetwork) 1 de mayo de 2017

«Looking to Cross the Border From Mexico, Into the N.C.A.A.» ¡Vamos @cetysuni! @DrFernandoLeonG https://t.co/QkrTGhTfDA — Heather Ward (@hh_ward) 1 de mayo de 2017

Great feature on @cetysuni as the Zorros try to become the first Mexican school to join @NCAADII. https://t.co/l4VQzmRYcY

— Jared Pine (@Pinesports) 1 de mayo de 2017