Saint Mary’s Makes a Splash: Launching a New Division I Aquatics Program

In a bold move that refreshes the landscape of collegiate sports, Saint Mary’s College of California has officially announced the creation of a brand-new Division I aquatics program, adding men’s and women’s swimming, along with men’s and women’s water polo, to its athletic roster, set to begin competition in the 2026–27 academic year.

This initiative raises the number of varsity sports at Saint Mary’s from 18 to 22, immediately benefitting approximately 80 student-athletes, with plans to grow to 100 in the near future. In an era when many schools are trimming Olympic sports, Saint Mary’s bucked the trend. President Roger Thompson framed the expansion as both a nod to the region’s deep aquatics roots and a powerful statement that intercollegiate athletics should prioritize student opportunity over financial expediency.

Why This Matters for Water Polo and Swimming

1. A Rare Growth Opportunity in Aquatics
   As sports programs nationwide face cutbacks, the decision by Saint Mary’s to expand in aquatics sends a powerful message. It's a significant investment in both athletic development and student experience that stands out in a climate of program contractions.

2. Deep Roots in Bay Area Aquatics Culture
   Nestled in the heart of a region known for high school swimming powerhouses and club teams, Saint Mary’s will connect directly with one of the nation’s strongest pipelines for aquatic talent. Olympic gold medalist Maggie Steffens called the move “inspiring”—a boost for future East Bay athletes chasing their Olympic dreams.

3. Strategic Conference Placement
   These new teams will compete at the highest levels through established conferences:

   • Swimming will join the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF)

   • Women’s Water Polo will enter the Golden Coast Conference (GCC)

   • Men’s Water Polo will compete in the West Coast Conference (WCC)

   For us at KAP7, this is particularly exciting. As the official ball of the WCC, Saint Mary’s athletes will be training and competing with the KAP7 HydroGrip ball, the same ball trusted at the sport’s highest levels worldwide. We are honored to support the Gaels in their journey and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make in the pool.

Investing in Facilities and Guiding Excellence

Saint Mary’s has secured a short-term partnership with Campolindo High School’s Olympic-size pool for training and competition. Meanwhile, it’s launching fundraising and donor-supported efforts to build a dedicated, state-of-the-art aquatics facility on campus.

The College also formed an Aquatics Leadership Council, comprised of key community leaders, donors, and even Olympic athletes—ensuring that long-term development reflects both athletic and institutional excellence.

National Support and Future Momentum

The reaction from aquatics leaders has been overwhelmingly positive. USA Swimming, USA Water Polo, and the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association (CSCAA) have all praised Saint Mary’s for its bold investment and potential for impact.

USA Water Polo CEO Jamie Davis called the addition “a tremendous win for our sport,” noting how it strengthens youth-to-college pipelines in a region that already “lives and breathes aquatics.”

A Game-Changing Moment for Aquatics

From an East Bay high school dream to becoming a powerhouse for collegiate aquatics, Saint Mary’s expansion isn’t just adding new teams—it’s affirming that aquatics remains central to the College’s commitment to student opportunity. As these teams prepare to dive in for the 2026–27 season, their impact will ripple across recruiting, community engagement, and the national aquatics landscape.

At KAP7, we’re proud to be part of this new chapter. Watching Saint Mary’s athletes train, compete, and excel with the HydroGrip ball reinforces our commitment to fueling the sport’s growth and supporting athletes on the biggest stage.