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University of California - Santa Barbara
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University of California - Santa Barbara - Athletics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.46

Athletics

B
Where does this grade come from?View all Athletics rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

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Quick Stats

Athletic Association
  • NAA
  • NCAA
Athletic Division NCAA Division I-AAA
Athletic Conferences Football: N/A
Basketball: Big West Conference
School Colors Blue and gold
School Nickname Gaucho (an Argentinian cowboy)
Men Playing Varsity Sports 251 - 3%
Women Playing Varsity Sports 209 - 2%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Some varsity teams at UCSB are actually very good, frequently winning their divisions and making it to national tournaments, yet it seems like half of the school is oblivious. Soccer and basketball games can usually draw large and loud crowds, but without a football team, UCSB lacks the media spotlight and big campus athletes that other campuses draw. Still, club sports are highly competitive and well-organized, and have had exceptional seasons in the past.

While most students can’t claim to have watched many games, practically everyone says they have participated in an intramural sport through the Recreation Center. Intramurals are divided into "laid-back, just-for-fun" teams and "I-was-the-star-in-high-school" teams. A lot of people have made great friends, relieved stress, and had a lot of fun in the IM program. It’s difficult to grade the athletics at UCSB because while the intramural and club sports are fantastic, the varsity sports are seemingly nonexistent at times. UCSB does not have the typical football Saturdays and high-energy athletic team spirit that many other larger universities have. But if you actually want to participate in athletics and get out there and play, this is a great place to be.

 

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UC Santa Barbara Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Athletics at University of California - Santa Barbara

BBeck

'12

Biomedical Sciences and Molecular Medicine

2.7
C+

Good and Bad Sports Programs

The huge downside of the sports program at UCSB is the lack of a football team. However, I guarantee you've never been to a crazier college soccer game until you experience it hear at UCSB

Feb 09, 2012

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Athletics at University of California - Santa Barbara

hellonikki

'15

Sociology

4.2
A-

Tortillas

I haven't been to any other sport games, but watching the soccer games were fun. Soccer is a HUGE part of UCSB. The best part? The tortillas that fly in the air every time a goal is scored (and sometimes even when a goal isn't scored)! Quesadillas afterwards anyone?

Jan 05, 2012

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Athletics at University of California - Santa Barbara

RobNova19

'14

Computer Science

3.8
B+

We're Great!

Soccer is king here. We are Soccer Heaven. We are consistently one of the best teams in the country. Fan support and turnout is probably the highest in the country. Basketball is on the rise on out campus. Made the NCAA tournament 2 years in a row. We have ne of the best low-profile players in the country. Volleyball is big too. We played for the national championship last year. Overall, a great sports school.

Dec 29, 2011

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Page 1 of 14

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

How popular are varsity sports on campus?

How popular are intramurals and club sports?

How would you describe the athletic facilities?

Facts

Men's Varsity Sports
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track and field
  • Volleyball
  • Water polo
Women's Varsity Sports
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track and field
  • Volleyball
  • Water polo
Intramurals
  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • Bowling
  • Flag football
  • Floor hockey
  • Golf
  • Inner tube water polo
  • Racquetball
  • Roller hockey
  • Soccer (indoor, outdoor)
  • Softball
  • Squash
  • Table tennis
  • Tennis
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Volleyball
  • Water polo
Club Sports
  • Alpine racing
  • Bowling
  • Cycling
  • Fencing
  • Field hockey
  • Lacrosse
  • Roller hockey
  • Rowing
  • Rugby
  • Sailing
  • Soccer
  • Surfing
  • Triathlon
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Volleyball
  • Water skiing/wakeboarding
Athletic Fields & Facilities
  • Intercollegiate Athletics Building
  • Recreation Center
  • Robertson Gym

Most Popular Sports

Basketball and soccer

Most Overlooked Teams

The men’s and women’s club soccer teams each won a national championship a couple years. They are still very competitive today but don't get a ton of love. The women’s and men’s club lacrosse teams are also overlooked even though they finished in the top 16 in the nation the past five years.

School Spirit

UCSB school spirit is pathetic compared to some other big, Division I universities. Most blame the fact that we don’t have a football team. But, Gaucho Locos, the student club that attends sporting events in bright yellow shirts, are fun, rowdy and very spirited. You can join for $5, get a T-shirt, and make lots of high-spirited friends!

Getting Tickets

Free with student ID.

Best Place to Take a Walk

Along the beach and around the lagoon.

Did You Know?

All sports have both novice and advanced teams. Also, Adventure Programs and Excursion Club provide access to sports such as rock climbing, backpacking, scuba diving, ropes course, and kayaking. You can also take physical activities classes at the Recreational Center that include sailing, bowling, weight lifting, and wine tasting.

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at UCSB

Name: Michael Cooper

Hometown: Danville, CA

Major: Sociology/Sports Management minor

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