Gaels Goal: Men’s Lacrosse team members Tim Daly (No. 8), Dario Caccia (No. 4), and Hayden Bradley (No. 13) celebrate after scoring against UC Irvine in a match on the Recreational Turf Field last Spring. / Photo by Ashleen Rai ’26
Wearing the G Shield Proudly
One out of five Gaels are Club Sport athletes. Playing sports they love is what draws them. Discipline, commitment, and leadership are some of the skills they nurture. And oh yes—they’re also the reigning national champs in Men’s Rugby.
The narrative of playing sports in college has shifted dramatically over the last decade, including with the addition of more competitive sport offerings in collegiate competitions. Here at Saint Mary’s, that has given more students—in more sports—opportunities to take to the field, court, pool, and more, facing other schools in regional and national competition.
Local and national governing bodies oversee these competitive sport leagues for men’s sports, women’s sports, and co-ed teams. On many campuses, including at SMC, they are referred to as Club Sports. There are 15 different Club Sports teams Saint Mary’s students play on. And one way Saint Mary’s students stand out is by how many of them take part in Club Sports.
Why? Time and again it’s because of the love of the sport. That’s true with teams that just formed in recent years, such as Women’s Club Basketball, launched last year. It’s equally true with a team that has a storied history spanning more than a century, like Saint Mary’s Men’s Rugby—which defeated Navy last spring and is the reigning national champion.
There’s also a special community that Club Sports nurture. In 2023–24, over 375 SMC Students participated in Club Sports. The number of students participating has steadily increased by 3–4% annually over the past five years. Opportunities are there for students of all levels. Statistics show that first-year students were the most involved this past year; they make up 36% of club sport participants, followed by seniors at 22%.
Class | % of Club Sports Participants |
First Year | 36% |
Second Year | 19% |
Third Year | 19% |
Fourth/Fifth Year | 22% |
Graduate Student | 3% |
Growing Interest, Great Resources
One of the keys to Club Sport success is student leaders; it’s not a coincidence that students themselves point to the leadership skills and adaptability they develop on the teams. Other key factors are roster size, fundraising, and, of course, good coaching.
Club Sports in particular benefit from the availability of sport facilities specifically designed for general student population use. These facilities include the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center, the newly renovated Recreational Turf Field, and the Patrick B. Vincent Rugby Field.
Athletes also have access to Athletic Training and a Sport Medicine Facility, which are housed in the recreation center and opened in January 2024. Amanda Morton is the Club Sport Athletic Trainer, and these facilities and her work are dedicated to assisting students with their physical wellness and vital rehabilitation throughout their journey as a Club Sport athlete. Last year Morton provided over 800 treatments to Club Sport Athletes.
Kaylie Mini ’25 played water polo in high school, and she was thrilled to have the opportunity to play on the Women’s Water Polo Team at Saint Mary’s. For her, Club Sports offers the chance to connect with a diverse group of people. Not only that, she says, “It fosters teamwork, helping us improve both individually and collectively. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to engage in a sport we are passionate about. Beyond that, it also teaches valuable life skills such as discipline, commitment, and leadership, while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.”
For anyone considering playing a Club Sport at SMC, Mini says go for it. “Playing Club Sports is a fantastic way to meet new people, and you get to play a sport you love while staying active and healthy.”
“Playing Club Sports is a fantastic way to meet new people and play a sport you love while staying active and healthy.”
—Kaylie Mini ’25
Melody Villar ’24 was a pioneer who started the Women’s Club Basketball Team during the 2023–24 academic year. “Playing on this team provides our community a place where female athletes can continue to play a sport they love in college,” she says.
“Playing on this team provides our community a place where female athletes can continue to play a sport they love in college.”
—Melody Villar ’24
Teamwork on and off the Field
Financial sustainability is key for the teams to thrive. Each year, Club Sports athletes organize fundraisers to assist in the annual expenses, including travel. Some good news: For the 2023–24 season, each club team increased their operating budget, which will allow carryover into the 2024–25 academic year. Altogether, fundraising for Club Sports topped $300,000 thanks to campus-wide giving days, restaurant fundraisers, apparel fundraisers, and unique opportunities like working as a referee at local youth sports competitions to earn funding for their team.
For me personally, it’s rewarding to see the great teamwork across campus supporting Club Sports programs. Generations of Gael alumni, family, and friends provide support in a whole host of ways. And the Office of Club Sports, which I direct, works alongside the Office of Admissions, Financial Aid Office, Academic Success Office, Housing, Facilities Services, and Strategic Partnerships and Advancement to ensure the student experience as a Club Sport Athlete is beneficial, rewarding, and unlike anything else during their time at SMC. The ability to work closely with these offices allows us to stay true to our mission: We want our students to be successful on and off the field.
Saint Mary’s Club Sports provide students with a unique opportunity to build, develop, and enhance their leadership, organizational, and management skills in a supportive learning environment. Participants in Club Sports at Saint Mary’s College are involved in competition, community, and building connections that enhance the student experience. We encourage all students to participate in any of the 15 competitive club sports and wear the G shield proudly. Find your team at the Involvement Fair on Wednesday, August 28. Go Gaels!
LEARN MORE
Registration is Open for SMC Students to participate in Club Sports.
| Sport | Governing Body |
| Baseball | NCBA |
| Lacrosse, Men's | MLCA |
| Lacrosse, Women's | WCLA |
| Rugby, Men's | USA Rugby |
| Rugby, Women's | USA Rugby |
| Soccer, Men's | WCSA |
| Soccer, Women's | WCSA |
| Stunt | USA Cheer |
| Tennis, Coed | USTA |
| Volleyball, Men's | NCVF |
| Volleyball, Women's | NCVF |
| Water Polo, Women's | CWPA |
| Basketball, Men's | NCBBA |
| Golf, Coed | NCCGA |
| Basketball, Women's | NCBBA |
