Saint Mary’s Adds Full Aquatics Program of Swimming, Water Polo

Saint Mary’s Adds Full Aquatics Program with Swimming and Water Polo

Saint Mary’s College in California on Wednesday announced the addition of a full aquatics program, together with males’s and ladies’s swimming and males’s and ladies’s water polo.

The Division I faculty within the Bay Area will begin with an preliminary 80 student-athlete spots, which may develop to 100. Intercollegiate competitors in all sports activities will start with the 2026-27 faculty yr.

“While many NCAA institutions across the country are scaling back athletics, Saint Mary’s is making a bold commitment to expand opportunities for students,” Saint Mary’s President Roger Thompson stated in a college press launch. “Our new Aquatics program builds on the Bay Area’s rich tradition in swimming and water polo, and affirms our belief that athletics are a vital part of the student experience.”

The swim staff will be a part of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. Women’s water polo will be a part of the Golden Coast Conference, whereas the lads’s water polo staff will compete within the college’s broader convention dwelling of the West Coast Conference.

Saint Mary’s has entered right into a partnership with Campolindo High School to be used of its Soda Aquatics Center, which incorporates an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The faculty will “be developing a state-of-the-art aquatics facility of its own in the coming years,” per the discharge. The faculty has an on-campus Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center to deal with the Gaels’ new packages every day. The faculty is hoping to faucet into what it sees as unmet curiosity in California specifically.

“Our vision for aquatics at Saint Mary’s will only be realized through the passion and generosity of those who care deeply about this sport,” Thompson stated. “This is a unique moment to make a meaningful impact—not just for today’s student-athletes, but for the countless Gaels and community members who will benefit from a dedicated aquatics home for decades to come. Together, we can build something enduring, something that reflects the values of our College and the deep tradition of excellence in aquatics across California.”

“The CSCAA congratulates Saint Mary’s College on the exciting decision to establish both men’s and women’s swimming programs,” CSCAA Executive Director Samantha Barany stated. “This strategic move not only complements the campus and the mission of the school, but also builds on its location within a thriving hub of swimming excellence. We look forward to partnering with President Thompson and his team to launch these programs in a meaningful and sustainable way.”

Coaching positions will likely be listed on Sept. 15, with a purpose for appointments in mid-October.

“We are committed to hiring coaches who not only bring a track record of competitive success, but who also embody the values that make Saint Mary’s unique,” Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Matoso stated. “Their leadership will be critical as we build programs that reflect excellence in the pool and the classroom, and that provide a transformative experience for our student-athletes.”