Saint Mary's College Athletics is Bringing Division I Aquatics to the East Bay
Saint Mary’s College of California is proud to announce the launch of a new NCAA Division I Aquatics program, adding Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Men’s and Women’s Water Polo to its roster of varsity sports for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The initiative represents a significant expansion of athletic and co-curricular opportunities for students, reinforcing the College’s commitment to student-centered learning and growth.
Our Vision
California has long been a center of excellence in aquatics, with world-class high school programs and a deep culture of swimming and water polo.
By launching Aquatics in Moraga—the heart of the Bay Area’s swimming culture—Saint Mary’s taps into one of the nation’s strongest talent pipelines while also aligning with a community that lives and breathes the sport.
With planning already underway, Saint Mary's College will develop a state-of-the-art, multipurpose aquatics facility on campus in the coming years. With vital support anticipated from donors, alumni, aquatics enthusiasts, and friends of Saint Mary’s, this new facility will ensure the East Bay continues to be a major player in the aquatics world.
A national head coaching search for each program will begin immediately
“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,” said Mike Matoso, SMC’s Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. “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.”
Interested in Becoming a Gael?
Student-athletes interested in competing for Saint Mary's College of California as part of the inaugural teams can fill out a recruiting questionnaire below.
President Roger Thompson is committed to making Saint Mary's, and Moraga, the hub of the aquatics community in the East Bay
"While many NCAA institutions across the country are scaling back athletics, Saint Mary’s is making a bold commitment to expand opportunities for students. 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.
"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. 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."
What They're Saying
“Saint Mary’s College's decision to add men’s and women’s water polo is a tremendous win for our sport. The Bay Area is one of the great centers of water polo in the United States, and by investing in these programs, Saint Mary’s is helping to grow opportunities for student-athletes while deepening the sport’s roots in a region that already lives and breathes aquatics.” ~ Jamie Davis, CEO of USA Water Polo
"We are incredibly excited about the investment Saint Mary’s is making in both swimming and water polo. Not only are they investing in opportunities for students, but they’re committed to building successful DI programs where those student athletes will thrive. California and the East Bay have an incredibly rich history in swimming and are home to some of our most successful clubs. Coaches are thrilled about the possibilities for the swimmers they coach to experience athletic and academic success at a college that changes lives." ~ Joel Shinofield, Managing Director of Sport Development, USA Swimming
"The CSCAA congratulates Saint Mary’s College on the exciting decision to establish both men’s and women’s swimming programs. 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 Director of Athletics Mike Matoso to launch these programs in a meaningful and sustainable way." ~ Samantha Barany, Executive Director of the College Swimming Coaches Association of America
"As someone who grew up chasing the Olympic dream in the East Bay, it's inspiring to see Saint Mary's College launch men's & women's water polo programs - amplifying the exposure & opportunity for future generations to pursue their dreams. It feels like a natural fit; both Saint Mary's College & water polo share similar values - hard work, family, community, & the pursuit of excellence in all that you do. The local community has always supported aquatic sports and I know this will only bring greater pride to the East Bay and Northern California. The growth of water polo at Saint Mary's is not only a huge win for the college and the sport, but also for the future dreamers who I'll be rooting for!" ~ Maggie Steffens, 3-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Women's Water Polo
"President Roger Thompson and Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Matoso continue to invest in growing the institution’s athletics portfolio. We appreciate the commitment demonstrated by Saint Mary’s leadership and are looking forward to adding to our nationally recognized league of men’s water polo programs in the West Coast Conference next fall." ~ Stu Jackson, Commissioner of the West Coast Conference
"We are happy to welcome Saint Mary’s College to the MPSF as the Gaels launch their men’s and women’s swimming programs. Starting new programs is a significant commitment, and we congratulate Saint Mary’s on taking this important step for its student-athletes. We look forward to seeing the Gaels compete in the MPSF and to supporting the growth of collegiate swimming.” ~ Foti Mellis, Commissioner of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation
“We are very excited about the addition of Saint Mary’s College to the Golden Coast Conference in 2026-27. Anytime an institution decides to sponsor the sport for the first time, it’s great for water polo. This will be great for Saint Mary’s, and it’s great for our conference.” ~ Dan Smith, Commissioner of the Golden Coast Conference
COMMON QUESTIONS
In what conference will SMC Aquatics compete?
Saint Mary's College Men's and Women's Swimming will compete in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, Women's Water Polo in the Gold Coast Conference, and Men's Water Polo in the West Coast Conference
When does SMC plan to begin competition?
Saint Mary's intends to have teams ready to compete beginning in Fall 2026.
When does SMC plan to have coaches in place?
The search for head coaches will launch immediately with the intent to have coaches hired by mid-October.
I'm interested in competing as a Gael for one of the NCAA Division I teams. What do I do now?
Interested prospective student-athletes can fill out a below questionnaire to remain in contact with SMC Athletics while head coaching searches are ongoing.
I'm interested in supporting SMC Aquatics philanthropically. How do I get involved?
We are grateful to all who choose to support Saint Mary's Aquatics! Whether you are interested in contributing to early start-up costs, or would like to learn more about the Aquatics Center project, please include your information here to be contacted by a member of the Athletics Development staff.