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Athletics:

B-

(explain this grade)

Comparable Schools'
Athletics Grades:

Quick Stats

Athletic Division

NCAA Division I

Conference

Big West

School Colors

Blue and gold

School Mascot

Gaucho (an Argentinian cowboy)

Men Playing Varsity Sports

228 - 3 %

Women Playing Varsity Sports

197 - 2 %

College Prowler Take

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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Students Speak Out

Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:

UCSsg says:

University of California - Santa Barbara 2015

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

The varsity sports aren't that...

The varsity sports aren't that big, other than soccer. A lot of people really like intramural sports.

Athletics: March 05, 2009
Report

UCSJO says:

University of California - Santa Barbara 2014

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities

The sports are generally pretty...

The sports are generally pretty strong, but there isn't much strong school spirit. Our soccer team is good, and the Gaucho Locos are a recognizable force on campus.

Athletics: March 02, 2009
Report

UCSJW says:

University of California - Santa Barbara 2015

Business

The sports scene is not as big at...

The sports scene is not as big at UCSB as it would be at a powerhouse Division I school. UCSB is Division I, but the teams are not as good as other top schools. However, our soccer team is excellent, and games are really fun. They are always a national championship contender. The basketball team is competitive in their division and games are fun to go to. Intramural sports are big here, with different leagues for different competition levels.

Athletics: February 24, 2009
Report

Anonymous says:

Varsity sports, unfortunately, are...

Varsity sports, unfortunately, are only big to those who play them. Club sports are a way to go if you are looking to be competitive or try something new. I recommend heading over to the Rec Cen with your dorm floor and getting the lowdown on the intramural options.

Athletics
Report

Anonymous says:

The recreational-sports department...

The recreational-sports department is wonderful! There are many club sport teams to choose from which all require no previous experience and are highly competitive. There is also a variety of IM sports to choose from, each with varying competitiveness. You can put the group together yourself and play with all your friends. You can always find activities and sports to join at UCSB. The varsity sports (I am referring to intercollegiate sports, but should be more specific because many of the club sports teams are competitive on a varsity level) also do well each year. The swim team and the women’s volleyball team have been doing well for a long time.

Athletics
Report

Facts

Men's Varsity Sports

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Swimming and diving
  • Tennis
  • Track and field (outdoor)
  • Volleyball
  • Water polo

Women's Varsity Sports

  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming and diving
  • 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

Gyms and Facilities

  • Intercollegiate Athletics Building - The ICA building is reserved mostly for varsity and club sport use, as well as some athletic classes.
  • Recreation Center - The Recreation Center, available to any UCSB student, has two pools, several gyms, three weight rooms, a climbing wall, tennis and squash courts, a roller hockey floor, and a Jacuzzi.
  • Robertson Gym - Rob Gym houses a gym and gymnastics equiptment and is used for team and club practices and tournaments.

Athletic Fields

Campus Diamond (softball), Campus Pool (swimming, diving, and water polo), Caesar Uyesaka Stadium (baseball), Harder Stadium (soccer), The Pit (recreational sports), Robertson Gym (men’s volleyball), Robertson Turf Field (recreational sports), Thunderdome (basketball, women’s volleyball)

Getting Tickets

Free with student ID.

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.

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.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Michael Cooper
Hometown: Danville, CA
Major: Sociology/Sports Management minor

Michael was on Bob Barker's sixth-to-last Price is Right show and won a trampoline.

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