Fear the Force! Starting fall 2025, all Saint Mary’s students will have free membership in Gael Force, the student spirit club—and the largest student organization on campus. / Photo by Francis Tatem
Let’s Talk March #GaelMadness: Saint Mary’s Athletics Enhances Student Experience All Year Long with New Student Programs
Starting fall 2025, there are new opportunities with Gael Force—the official student spirit club—plus a new Cheer Team and an expanded and renamed SMC Pep Band.
While the Saint Mary’s College Men’s Basketball team travels to Cleveland for their fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance and the Moraga campus buzzes with excitement, the SMC Athletics Department has announced several new initiatives to make for a more exciting and richer student experience all year long. Beginning next academic year, there are new opportunities with Gael Force—the official student spirit club; a new Spirit Team that includes a new Cheer Team as well as the well-known Dance Team; and an expanded and renamed SMC Pep Band.
Starting fall 2025, the Saint Mary’s Athletics Department will offer all students free membership in Gael Force, the largest student organization on campus. Being a part of Gael Force allows students to attend all home games for free, including the Gonzaga Men’s Basketball home game
The Athletics Department will also add a new Cheer Team to its department in fall 2025 to go along with an already strong Dance Team, all under the Spirit Team. This addition will add to an already heart-pumping, adrenaline-filled home atmosphere on campus.
The newly-named SMC Pep Band builds on the verve and enthusiasm the Sports Band has brought to games—and will take it to another level. SMC Athletics is looking to grow participation with enthusiastic student musicians to create an unbelievable home-court advantage in the UCU Pavilion—regularly lauded by ESPN as one of the most thrilling places to see college basketball. Not only that, but the Pep Band will bring its energy and excitement to other Saint Mary’s events and activities.
“These areas of student support groups and Athletics Department enhancements are key to enhancing all students’ experience on and off the court as Saint Mary’s continues to grow on a national level,” Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Matoso said. “This expansion will bring energy and excitement not only in athletics but across campus as well. These groups will be a great addition to an already unbelievable atmosphere at the College.”
Incoming and current students interested in joining any of these groups should reach out to Associate Athletics Director for Administration Ken Rancifer with questions at kr44@stmarys-ca.edu.
Get Your Spirit On: Learn More
GAEL FORCE
Created in 2001, Gael Force has grown into the largest student organization on campus. Nearly two-thirds of the entire undergraduate population at Saint Mary's are members of Gael Force. The club plays a vital role in the success of our athletic teams. Gael Force's support and enthusiasm has made Saint Mary's one of the toughest places for opponents to play on the West Coast. The Gael Force has been known to travel in large groups with the basketball teams to West Coast Conference and NCAA postseason tournaments.
SPIRIT TEAM
Cheer Team
The addition of a cheer team will take on the more traditional cheer role at all home Men’s and Women’s Basketball games, helping encourage the crowd and starting chants and cheers at the UCU Pavilion. The team will also work within the campus community at events and volunteer their time in the community. The Cheer Team travels with the basketball teams to West Coast Conference and NCAA postseason tournaments.
Dance Team
The Dance team performs routines at halftime and timeouts during Men’s and Women’s Basketball games. They perform at other home games including Soccer, Baseball, and Volleyball. They also work within the campus community, attending several events and volunteering and performing in the community. The Dance Team travels with the basketball teams to West Coast Conference and NCAA postseason tournaments.
SMC PEP BAND
The SMC Pep Band is a dedicated ensemble of musicians that perform at all Men's and Women's Basketball home games, Women's Volleyball home games, select Men's and Women's Soccer games, and various on-campus events. The band travels with the basketball teams to West Coast Conference and NCAA postseason tournaments. Outside of athletic events, the SMC Pep Band performs at alumni and community events, including alumni pre-game parties and local festivals. Movie nights, beach days, picnics, and T-shirt decorating are all bonding events that the band sponsors in addition to its performances.
#GaelMadness
