After a successful 2024-25 school year, UC Santa Barbara Athletics has been recognized as one of the top departments in the nation.
UCSB was awarded its first-ever Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association All-Sports Trophy after tallying 235 points across all sports on campus.
The trophy is awarded to the school with the “highest point total in all sports in which at least 25% of the eligible I-AAA membership sponsor the given sport,” according to DI-AAA ADA.
In other words, the Gauchos earned the award for being the best all-around Division I athletics program that does not boast a football team.
UCSB won the award over 97 other institutions, finishing ahead of second-place Pepperdine (212) and third-place Providence (202.5).
“What an honor for our UC Santa Barbara campus and department to be recognized with the All-Sport Trophy by the D1-AAA Athletic Directors Association,” UCSB Arnhold Director of Athletics Kelly Barsky said.
“It is a reflection of the incredible efforts and grit showcased by our Gaucho Student-Athletes, the leadership and expertise of our head coaches, and the incredible service and care provided by our coaches, staff, and community across the board.”
The 21 sports included in the point total are Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men’s and Women’s Golf, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track, Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Women’s Volleyball.
The Gauchos were led by their Softball, Women’s Tennis and Men’s Outdoor Track & Field squads, as they all finished atop the DI-AAA ADA leaderboard in their sport.
UCSB also had five Big West champions that helped contribute to the award, as the Softball, Women’s Tennis, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Swimming and Women’s Swimming teams all earned conference titles.
It was the first time since the 2004-05 school year that four women’s programs won conference championships at UCSB.
“On behalf of our Association, I would like to congratulate UC Santa Barbara for capturing its first-ever DI-AAA All-Sports championship this year,” DI-AAA ADA president Shaney Fink said.