Most families scroll right past D2 schools.

23 Oct 2026 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

1:57

In this YouTube video, former Division I coach, scout, and recruiter Alex Swenson launches a new "Overlooked Program" series aimed at families and athletes who may dismiss Division II schools based solely on their division label. He presents a curated list of the top five D2 programs that combine impressive athletic facilities with recent competitive success. The schools highlighted are: (5) Colorado Mesa University – noted for its diverse athletic department, national‑level achievements, and adventure‑rich Colorado setting; (4) University of Tampa – a top‑6 D2 Director’s Cup finisher with lacrosse and baseball championships, strong facilities, and Tampa‑area internship opportunities; (3) Pittsburg State University – national championship track programs, a women’s basketball Final Four appearance, and a massive indoor complex featuring a full‑turf field, track, and strength center; (2) West Texas A&M University – seven consecutive top‑5 Director’s Cup finishes, a sizable football stadium, and extensive multi‑sport facilities; (1) Grand Valley State University – an 18‑time D2 Director’s Cup winner with three team national championships in 2025‑26 and a huge indoor sports center. Throughout, Swenson urges viewers to evaluate schools based on academics, coaching, campus fit, and overall athlete development rather than division alone, and invites the audience to save the list and follow future episodes of the series.

Chapters

Here are the top 5 overlooked D2 programs with outstanding athletic facilities. You don't have to go D1 for impressive facilities and championship-level sports. These 5 D2 schools will prove that. I'm Coach Alex, a former D1 coach, scout, and recruiter, and I'm starting a new series that is about the top overlooked college programs in the country to introduce you to schools that you might not have considered and where athletes can compete and have a great college experience. And there's more here than most families Realize. All right, let's start with number 5. Colorado Mesa in Grand Junction, Colorado. A diverse athletic department with national-level success, impressive facilities across multiple sports, and a Colorado setting that offers plenty of adventure beyond athletics. Number 4, the University of Tampa in beautiful Tampa, Florida. A top 6 D2 athletic department in the 25-26 Director's Cup with championships in lacrosse and baseball, impressive facilities, and internship opportunities throughout Tampa Bay. Number 3, Pittsburgh State in Pittsburgh, Kansas. National championship track programs and a recent women's basketball Final Four appearance, plus a massive indoor facility with a full turf field, track, and strength center. Number 2, West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas. 7 consecutive top 5 D2 Director's Cup finishes and a good-sized football stadium, and impressive facilities across multiple sports. And number 1, Grand Valley State in Allendale, Michigan, an 18-time D2 Director's Cup winner with 3 team national championships in '25 and '26, and a massive indoor sports center. Parents and athletes, don't let the division label make the decision for you. Look at the academics, the coaches, the campus, and where your athlete will thrive. Save these 5 schools and follow along for the next schools in the Overlooked Program series. See you soon.