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

Athletics

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 239 - 3%
Women Playing Varsity Sports 193 - 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

arod1102449

International Relations and National Security Studies '13

3.8
B+

Pretty Good

Everyone pre-games and goes to the games especially against rival teams.

May 19, 2012

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Athletics at University of California - Santa Barbara

BBeck

Biomedical Sciences and Molecular Medicine '12

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

Sociology '15

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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User rating for University of California - Santa Barbara - Athletics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 43 user reviews.

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.

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

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

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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