Chaos, laughs, and a very slippery watermelon: First-year students went head-to-head in the ultimate watermelon wrestling during the 2025 Weekend of Welcome Pool Party. / Photo by Rebecca Harper.
Welcome to the Gael Life: Poolside Edition
First-year students made a splash at the Weekend of Welcome Pool Party, while encouraged to sign up for an Adventure Trip or a Club Sport. Gaels brought the energy, recruiting SMC students with fun, games, and good vibes.
An annual Weekend of Welcome tradition, the Pool Party at the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center invites first-year students to relax, soak up the sun, and kick off their Saint Mary’s journey in style. Funded by the student enhancement fee and hosted in partnership with Residential Experience, Campus Recreation creates an unforgettable afternoon filled with giant pool floats, silly games, and plenty of socializing. And of course, no pool party is complete without the legendary Belly Flop Contest—guaranteed to earn a round of applause and a well-deserved red belly! Read on for a student perspective on what makes these tradition so special.
Float, Flex, and Find Your Team
By Isabella Buoncristiani ’28
As you walked through the door to the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center on the Weekend of Welcome, the vibes were heightened by music blaring and the bustling conversations of new Gaels. The pool was calling—but en route, there was a compelling maze of recruitment tables set up by members of various Club Sport teams.
The first table was mutually shared by both Women’s and Men’s Club Basketball. Mia Franceschi ’26 encouraged first-year students to join the Women's Club Basketball team because the ladies have multitudes of fun and the work is perfect for returners and newcomers alike. Representing the Men’s Club Basketball team was Carlo Calvo ’27. Carlo described the team culture as a “brotherhood” and a “great community.”
The Women’s Club Soccer table was staffed by four warm team members bearing warm smiles. When asked why people should join the club, Peyton Shelby ’26 immediately responded with, “We’re amazing.” Although intended as a joke, the words rang true when the ladies went into further detail about their Club Soccer community. Joining the team is a great way to make friends that turn into family, and to be a part of a spirited crew in an environment filled with friendly competition.
Allison Chu ‘26 was more than willing to hype up her beloved Women’s Club Volleyball team. She shared how positive and inclusive this team community has been. As for her advice to Gael newcomers, she emboldened them to “try everything and get out of your comfort zone”. On the flip side, Men’s Club Volleyball team member Logan Milestone ‘27, had different words of encouragement for newcomers. “Be yourself,” he said. Logan also emphasized that no prior experience is needed to join the team.
The Men’s Lacrosse team was adamant that their group consists of great guys and a solid team environment. Evan Salgado ‘26 highlighted the importance of the Alumni scrimmages, which is when Gael graduates return to Saint Mary’s to participate in the Lacrosse scrimmages. This event is vital for networking opportunities as the boys mentioned that many of them have previously landed internships through these connections.
Moving onwards through the sea of new Gaels, all of whom had wonderful things to say about the WOW Pool party and more significantly about our school. Ava Michira ‘29 exclaimed that this event is “the definition of what you expected your college life to be”. Others sang high praises for Saint Mary’s saying that the people here actually “take the time to get to know you” and that there are “lots of fun opportunities” for students. Some of these opportunities at the pool included the Watermelon Challenge and the infamous Belly Flop Contest. Both events brought in some friendly rivalry between competitors and riveting entertainment for those watching.
If there could be one word used to depict this event, what would it be? “Welcoming” was used by every person to describe their team culture or the school’s atmosphere. This word spotlights how hospitable and inclusive Saint Mary’s is to anyone and everyone. Whether you’re a new Gael, an old Gael, or not a Gael, you are always welcome.
Overall, the WOW Pool Party and the Club Sports Recruitment Fair was a success! All the incoming students had fantastic reviews and were happy with their decision to enroll at Saint Mary’s. This event kicked off the school year with high vibrations and eagerness for a new beginning in Moraga.
