TAYLOR MADE

by Brandon Petersen

When Taylor Stacy paddled out for the final heat of the 2025 NSSA National Championships Sunday at Salt Creek in Dana Point, she wasn't just chasing a title — she was rewriting Westcliff history.

And then she won.

With her signature composure, precision, and relentless edge, Stacy carved her name into the record books as Westcliff University's first individual national champion, adding to a season that already included a California State Championship and countless moments of brilliance.

"She's just a machine," said head coach Lucas Taub. "Locked in all weekend. Big scores, smart positioning, massive turns. That was a masterclass. And she's only just getting started."

Stacy's win was more than a personal triumph. It was the emotional peak of a breakout weekend that saw the Westcliff Surf Team finish second overall in the nation, behind only longtime rival Point Loma Nazarene. It was the highest finish in program history.

But this wasn't just about results. This was about transformation.

THE CHAMPION

A professional surfer with a major platform, Taylor Stacy didn't just bring points to the board—she brought eyes to the shoreline. Her presence alone has elevated the Westcliff program to new levels of exposure and legitimacy, but her dominance in the water has been even more impactful.

She opened the weekend with a 14.07, then followed it with a 15.67, and a 15.34 in the quarterfinals. She won every round she surfed, then backed it up with a composed semifinal and a championship-winning final.

"She's the standard now," said Taub. "Every surfer in this country knows who Taylor is. But now they know who Westcliff is, too."

THE WARRIOR

Alongside Stacy stood another giant of the program: Jordy Collins, who battled illness in the most literal sense. On Sunday, as the national semifinals loomed, Jordy was fighting a severe case of E. coli poisoning. He was physically wrecked—puking on the beach between heats. And yet, he still advanced to the final.

"He literally ran from the corner of the beach after throwing up and paddled straight into one of the hardest heats of the day," said Taub. "You want to talk about toughness? You want to talk about heart? That's Jordy."

He would go on to finish second in the nation, just behind eventual champion Tanner Vodraska. It was Collins' second runner-up finish of the year, following his win at the California State Championship this spring.

THE RISING STAR

Then came the emotional surge of Ninon Mattei, who completed her Cinderella run by advancing all the way to the national semifinals, earning a Top 5 national finish.

"Ninon is one of the most positive people I've ever coached," Taub said. "She came here from Morocco just to chase this dream. She showed up to Nationals jet-lagged, a little nervous, and then went out and surfed the best heat of her life. Watching her perform was one of the proudest moments I've had as a coach."

Mattei posted 13.00 and 15.83 in her early rounds and 8.43 in the quarterfinals. But beyond the scores was the joy. The smile. The moment she realized she belonged.

THE LEGACY

While the future is bright, the foundation was laid by those who have given everything to this program from the start. Jack Hopkins and Cole Futak — two original members of the Westcliff Surf Team — capped off their senior years with fierce performances and irreplaceable leadership.

"Jack and Cole are family," Taub said. "They were here when this was all just an idea. Jack set a goal this year to make a college final before graduating, and he did it in Oceanside. Then he came to Nationals and dropped big scores again. The whole team was stoked for him."

Hopkins reached the second round, and it was the quarterinals for Futak, whose local knowledge at Salt Creek and calm, composed surfing helped Westcliff to that second-place finish.

"Cole knew every break, every lineup. He had a game plan for every heat. And he's one of the funniest, kindest guys on the team. They were both Warriors, in and out of the water."

THE CREW

Freshman Blaze Roche advanced to Round 3 with bold, aggressive surfing, posting a 14.06 en route. Longboarder Kylan Crapenhoft repped Westcliff in style, notching an 8.14 to close out a solid year. Every name mattered. Every heat mattered.

"This crew isn't just a team. It's a family," Taub said. "These athletes support each other in ways you can't teach. It made this whole year really special."

THE MISSION

For recruits wondering what Westcliff Surf is all about, the answer is simple: it's a headline program with elite coaching, scholarship opportunities, national recognition, and a genuine commitment to student-athletes.

"We're right next to the ocean. You get to travel. You get to compete. You get to chase dreams," Taub said. "This is the spot. We treat surf like every other sport on campus. We've got full backing. And if you want to win — and have fun doing it — you belong here."

THE RIVALRY

In the end, Point Loma edged Westcliff for the team title. They posted 162 points to Westcliff's 120.

"They got us this year. Credit to them," Taub said. "But we're building something real here. And trust me, we'll be back. Stronger, deeper, and even more dangerous."

THE NAMES

The full 2025 NSSA Nationals roster: - Taylor Stacy — National Champion - Jordy Collins — National Runner-Up - Ninon Mattei — Top 5 National Semifinalist - Cole Futak — Quarterfinalist - Jack Hopkins — Quarterfinalist - Blaze Roche — Round 3 - Kylan Crapenhoft — Longboard, Round 1

This was a season that turned heads. A team that made waves.

This is Westcliff Surf.