GCU the "toughest crowd I've ever faced" after his team won by nine at GCU on December 3, 2016.
GCU has sponsored intercollegiate athletics since the school's inception in 1949, starting with just men's basketball. It was an NAIA member until 1990, NCAA Division II until 2013 and has been NCAA Division I since 2013.
Grand Canyon also offers a large club sports offering.
=== Roller hockey ===
GCU Roller Hockey's inaugural season took place during 2022–23. The team and program were established by Aydin Schwetz in the summer of 2022. GCU Roller Hockey is a member of the NCRHA Division I, with the majority of their games played in the Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League. The on-campus roller hockey rink at Grand Canyon University was fully funded by the NHL Arizona Coyotes.
In only its second season (2023–24), the GCU Lopes emerged as the NCRHA Division I Champions. They triumphed over the undefeated Lindenwood Lions with a 2–1 victory in triple-overtime. The championship game was held on April 20, 2024, at …
