Conference Champs, National Semifinals, and a Perfect Record in the Postseason: Celebrating the 2025–26 Season in Club Sports
Men’s Rugby shows why they’re a national powerhouse. Women’s Rugby earns back-to-back titles. Plus accolades for Men’s Club Soccer, Women’s Club Volleyball, Men’s Lacrosse, and more.
It was a great season for all of the Club Sports at Saint Mary’s. Notably, many went further than expected and achieved significant standings in their divisions. Among these standout teams were perennial national powerhouse Men’s Rugby, back-to-back conference champs Women’s Rugby, Men’s Club Basketball, Men’s Lacrosse, Men’s Club Soccer, Men’s Club Volleyball, and Women’s Club Volleyball.
Men’s Rugby | Gaels Battle to National Semifinals. And Dom Besag ’26 Plays with the USA Eagles
Men’s Rugby had yet again another striking season. The team piled up the wins during California Conference play, and the Gaels earned a place in the Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA) National Semifinals. In postseason play, the Gaels triumphed over the Arizona Wildcats 38–19, and from there they went head to head with No.1 seed and longtime rival UC Berkeley.
The Gaels initially matched the Bears’ momentum on Cal’s home pitch, but that quickly shifted out of their favor after a few calls by officials didn’t go their way. The Bears then managed to take control of the game and secure a 38–19 win. The many SMC fans watching left Witter Rugby Field in Berkeley feeling disappointed and distraught, but the Gaels undeniably had a strong season to be proud of. They ended their 2025–26 season with a 13-2 record. This team continues to remind us why they are one of the best in the country, and with their most recent national championship in 2024, there’s no doubt they will continue to strive for another national championship title.
Also of note: While playing with the Gaels this season, center Dom Besag ’26 was the only collegiate player to play with the USA Eagles on the international stage. Besag is no stranger to the international arena. He was first called up to the US national team in 2023 when he was 19 years old—the youngest player ever to play with the Eagles. This year he was also a finalist for the Rudy Scholz Award, recognizing the top collegiate rugby player in the United States.
Women’s Rugby | Back-to-Back Conference Champs
Women’s Rugby is rarely one to disappoint. Ending their season with a 6–1–0 record, these ladies showed that they were one of their best SMC teams yet. Beating Cal State Monterey Bay and Cal Maritime back-to-back on Senior Day was one of the biggest highlights of their season.
Victoria Rapadas ’28 and Daryanna Ceja ’27 were among many of the standout players during this year’s campaign. They were both consistent in their craft and key contributors in every win. With their solid performance and the efforts of the rest of the team, Women’s Rugby earned their second consecutive West Coast Rugby Conference 10s Division Championship. This team has done impeccable work and we look forward to what the future holds!
Men’s Club Basketball | Confidence, a Winning Attitude, and a Record to Match
Men’s Club Basketball has come a long way in a short amount of time. After a winless season two years ago, the Gaels ended last season with a 6–6 record. This season, the Gaels achieved more success with a 5–3 record thanks to many improvements and the addition of key players. This ultimately led these men to a conference championship.
Coach Jose Miranda ’25 had some beautiful words to say about this team. “What stands out most to me is not just the record but the growth of the players and the culture we built together,” he said. “The team supported one another and held each other accountable. I am confident that this is only the beginning, and progress will continue to be made. It was rewarding to watch their development and build strong relationships with them. Much more than wins and losses, this season created a brotherhood that I believe will last well beyond their playing days.”
It’s evident from this statement that this team has a true bond and are putting in the hard work to succeed.
Men’s Lacrosse | Victory over UC Santa Cruz and Driving to the Semifinals
Men’s Lacrosse displayed an energetic drive all season that resulted in a semifinal postseason appearance. The Gaels compete in Division II of the Western College Lacrosse League. In the conference tournament in March, Saint Mary’s went up against the UC Davis Aggies in a high-stakes match. Tim Daly ’26 and Curran Lanier ’29 were among the top players of this game, contributing to the initial lead.
Alas, by the time the clock wound down, the Gaels came up short. Despite this loss to close out their season, these men kept a positive attitude.
Midfielder Dario Caccia ’27 had nothing but wonderful things to say about the season just past. “We set our goals high and worked toward them day in and day out,” he said. “From beating UC Santa Cruz for the first time in eight years to going to LA and Tahoe and winning both trips, this season has been a blast for me and my brothers on the field next to me.”
The team’s attention is now focused on what they hope to accomplish next season. To paraphrase what they say in their huddles: “Let it sting, but move on. Let this light a fire under your bottom.”
Men’s Club Soccer | A Perfect Record in the Postseason
Men’s Club Soccer arguably had one of their best seasons yet. They started out their season in the fall, and by spring semester it was looking increasingly possible that the Gaels could win their league. As they began to win games each week, Vice President Danilo Reece ’27 and the Gaels made sure to focus on one game at a time—because that was the only way they would make it as far as they hoped.
When this team finally join the battle in the playoffs, it was a less than auspicious beginning. During their first match they were losing 0–1 at halftime. Player Oscar Mora ’26 noticed a palpable lack of energy and motivation. He told his teammates, “If we’re gonna play, let’s play with passion, and let’s play with everything.”
They went back out onto that field playing with immense vigor and strength. “Vamos Malakas!” shouted by one of their fans, an exchange student from Greece. Let’s go, dudes!
The Gaels not only ended up winning the game but went on to finish their postseason schedule with a perfect 4–0 record. This team has improved greatly in a short period of time, and we can’t wait to see what next season brings.
Men’s Club Volleyball | Earning All-League Props
Men’s Club Volleyball had another competitive season in 2026. That included traveling to Kansas City, Missouri, for the National Collegiate Volleyball Federation (NCVF) National Championship Tournament. After three days of grueling tournament play, the Gaels finished in the Bronze bracket, 29th in their division, an improvement of a couple spots from their 2025 finish.
In their regular season play, these men earned a hard fought first place finish in the Northern California Collegiate Volleyball League (NCCVL) Division 2 North, and they placed third overall at the NCCVL Division 2 Championships. This was by far the best finish in their program’s history.
Three players were recognized for their outstanding season play. President, captain, and outside hitter Andrew Carney ’27 earned All-League First Team honors. Outside hitter Logan Milestone ’27 earned All-League Second Team honors. And libero Dillon Rockwell ’26 received an Honorable Mention. All three were recognized as top players in the NCCVL Division 2. They look to make bigger improvements next season with only one senior graduating and the rest of the roster returning in 2027.
Women’s Club Volleyball | All-Tournament Honors for Three Gaels
Last but definitely not least, Women’s Club Volleyball had a noteworthy season with big accomplishments. These ladies also traveled to Kansas City, Missouri to participate in the NCVF National Championship Tournament. During this major tournament, our Gaels played a total of six teams over the course of three exhausting days. They were able to earn a spot in the coveted Gold Bracket and finished tied for ninth.
Many team members were selected for All-Tournament honors for their outstanding performances, including president, captain, and setter Allison Chu ’26, libero Angel Gumboc ’28, and outside hitter Theresa Helfrick ’27. The Gaels finished out their regular season placing fifth in the very competitive NCCVL, and the team felt immense pride by ending their season on a high note. We look forward to seeing what they conquer next year!
A big congratulations to the hundreds of Club Sports student-athletes for completing another season. With all the work it takes to manage operations, fundraise, and be a student, the Club Sports student-athlete really embodies what it means to be a Gael. They bring what it takes to build, develop, and enhance their leadership, organizational, and management skills in a supportive learning environment. See you next year! Go Gaels!
Story updated July 13, 2026 at 10 a.m. Pacific.
