In an era when many colleges are reducing athletic programs due to rising costs and shifting NCAA regulations, St. Mary’s College is taking a bold, refreshing approach: expanding. The school has announced plans to launch varsity men’s and women’s swimming and water polo teams beginning in the 2026–27 academic year, raising its total varsity offerings from 18 to 22 sports.
This decision stands out in today’s college athletics landscape, where institutions are often forced to make painful cuts. But for St. Mary’s, the move signals a commitment to student opportunity, community engagement, and long-term vision. With support from alumni, athletes, and even an Olympic champion, the college’s expansion has already made waves.
Defying the Trend of Cuts
Across the NCAA, schools are grappling with financial strain. The introduction of athlete revenue-sharing rules—a landmark shift that allows athletes to receive a share of the money their sports generate—has added new financial responsibilities for athletic departments. For many institutions, this has meant trimming budgets and cutting smaller, non-revenue sports.
Against this backdrop, St. Mary’s decision is almost revolutionary. Instead of scaling back, the college is doubling down on its athletic mission. Administrators emphasize that sports are central to the St. Mary’s student experience and community culture. By adding swimming and water polo, the school not only broadens opportunities for student-athletes but also strengthens its profile as a well-rounded athletic institution.
Why Swimming and Water Polo?
The choice of swimming and water polo isn’t random. Both sports carry deep cultural significance in California, where St. Mary’s is based. High schools in the region field competitive programs, producing talented athletes who often struggle to find collegiate opportunities due to the limited number of NCAA programs in these disciplines.
By introducing these sports, St. Mary’s is tapping into a strong local talent pool. It’s also offering new pathways for student-athletes who may not have otherwise had the chance to compete at the varsity level. For prospective students, the addition of these programs makes St. Mary’s an even more attractive option.
Moreover, swimming and water polo are team sports that foster discipline, endurance, and camaraderie—values that align closely with the college’s mission. They also provide opportunities for growth in both men’s and women’s athletics, ensuring equity and balance across programs.
A Vote of Confidence from Maggie Steffens
The announcement received a high-profile endorsement from none other than Maggie Steffens, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and captain of the U.S. women’s water polo team. Steffens praised the decision, calling it a critical investment in the future of student-athletes and in the growth of water polo nationwide.
Her words carry weight. Water polo, while popular in California, has often struggled for visibility on the national stage. Having an Olympic champion highlight the importance of this expansion elevates the move from a local decision to one with broader significance for U.S. collegiate athletics.
Aligning with NCAA Changes
St. Mary’s is not ignoring the financial realities of college sports. Instead, the school is rethinking how to adapt. With the new revenue-sharing rules reshaping how money flows through athletic departments, many schools are choosing to concentrate resources on revenue-heavy sports like football and basketball.
St. Mary’s, which does not have a football program, has long approached athletics differently. By focusing on a diverse mix of sports, the college emphasizes balance, inclusivity, and opportunity. The expansion into swimming and water polo fits neatly into this philosophy, showing that it’s possible to embrace NCAA changes while still prioritizing the holistic student-athlete experience.
Community and Legacy
The impact of this expansion extends beyond campus. Adding swimming and water polo will require new facilities, events, and partnerships, which in turn bring economic and cultural benefits to the surrounding community. Local youth programs may gain access to upgraded pools, and regional swim and polo clubs may find new allies in St. Mary’s.
There’s also a legacy component. By taking a stand at a time when other institutions are pulling back, St. Mary’s is sending a message: athletics matter, not just for revenue or prestige, but for the personal growth and opportunities they provide to students. This legacy could inspire other colleges to consider expansion rather than contraction, even in challenging financial times.
Looking Ahead
The 2026–27 launch gives the college ample time to prepare. Recruitment efforts will likely start immediately, with coaches scouting local and national talent. Facilities will need to be expanded or upgraded to accommodate the new teams, creating anticipation and excitement across campus.
For incoming freshmen and current students, the announcement provides a sense of momentum and pride. Being part of a college that is growing its athletic offerings, rather than scaling them back, is a point of distinction that will resonate with the student body and alumni alike.
Conclusion
At a time when college athletics faces one of its most transformative eras, St. Mary’s College is charting its own course. By adding men’s and women’s swimming and water polo, the school is not only expanding opportunities for students but also challenging the narrative that financial pressure must mean contraction.
Backed by community support and endorsed by legends like Maggie Steffens, this decision reflects courage, vision, and commitment. It’s a reminder that college sports are about more than money—they’re about growth, opportunity, and the lifelong impact of being part of a team.
As the first new swimmers and polo players take to the pool in 2026, they’ll represent not just the next generation of Gaels, but also the values that make college athletics such a powerful force in education and society.
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