The Golden Eagles primarily compete in the Pacific West Conference (PacWest) for most of their sports since the 2015–16 academic year;[2] while its men's volleyball team competes in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF);[3] and its men's water polo team competes in the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA).

The CUI women's water polo team competed in the Golden Coast Conference (GCC) until the 2022 spring season.

The Golden Eagles have won championships in sixteen separate sports, including national championships in women's cross country (2000), volleyball (2012 for women and 2013 for men), men's basketball (2003, 2012), baseball (2011), and softball (2013).

The Golden Eagles competed in the NAIA from 1981 to 2015 (mostly primarily in the GSAC) before transitioning to NCAA Division II.

[5] CUI competes in 21 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball and water polo; while women's sports include softball, basketball, beach volleyball, cheerleading, cross country, soccer, softball, stunt, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field and volleyball.