#GCCWATERPOLO — The Golden Coast Conference (GCC) announced today that Saint Mary’s College of California will join the league as a full member in women’s water polo beginning with the 2026-27 season. The Gaels will launch their women’s water polo program at that time, competing immediately at the Division I level.
 
“We are thrilled to join the Golden Coast Conference and to launch our women’s water polo program at such a competitive level,” said Mike Matoso, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at Saint Mary’s. “Competing against outstanding institutions like Fresno State, Loyola Marymount, Santa Clara, and San Diego State will challenge and inspire our student-athletes, and it places Saint Mary’s immediately within one of the premier conferences for the sport. We look forward to building rivalries, contributing to the strength of the GCC, and showcasing the excellence of Gael Athletics on the national stage.”
 
The Gaels’ addition continues a period of significant growth for the GCC. Saint Mary’s becomes the third program to join the conference for the 2026-27 season, alongside UC Davis and San José State, bringing the membership to nine institutions for that season.
 
“We are very excited to announce the addition of Saint Mary’s College to the Golden Coast Conference in 2026-27,” said Dan Smith, GCC Commissioner. “Anytime an institution decides to sponsor the sport for the first time, it’s great for water polo, it’s great for Saint Mary’s, and it’s great for our conference. With UC Davis, San José State, and now Saint Mary’s set to join, this is one of the most dynamic periods in our 12-year history. This growth not only strengthens our league but also provides even greater stability and national relevance for the future of women’s water polo.”
 
Founded in 2014, the Golden Coast Conference sponsors women’s water polo at the NCAA Division I level and has quickly established itself as one of the nation’s top conferences. Current GCC members include Azusa Pacific, California Baptist, Fresno State, Loyola Marymount, University of the Pacific, San Diego State, and Santa Clara.
 
Learn more about the GCC here >>