Athletics
UC Merced recently established an intercollegiate athletic program in hopes of joining the NCAA in the near future. In addition to having intramural team the university competes in 14 sports currently independent of the NCAA or other college athletic organizations. Current sport clubs include basketball, baseball, lacrosse, softball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball. The schedule for the new basketball team consists of a tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada. Schedule.
On November 13, 2006, the University officially opened its gymnasium. The Joseph Edward Gallo Recreation and Wellness Center, named after the rancher and dairy farmer who donated money for the facility's construction, features a "NCAA-sized basketball court, workout facilities, room for performances, wellness and fitness education and the Rajender Reddy Student Health Center".
At the opening of the facility, UC Merced officials stated their intent to have competitive sports teams, starting with basketball, baseball, men's soccer and aquatics, and women's soccer and volleyball. The campus's goal is to compete at the NCAA Division II level as part of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).
In November 2010 the university announced its intentions to join the NAIA for the 2011-2012 academic year. The school intends to submit an official application to the NAIA in January 2011 and will know if they are accepted in early spring 2011. UCM plans to begin play in the NAIA's California Pacific Conference in men's basketball, men and women's cross country, and women's women's volleyball in fall of 2011. The school also plans to eventually add men's volleyball and women's basketball. Long term plans include adding soccer and lacrosse after the university improves outdoor sport facilities and eventually move to the NCAA as the university and athletic programs expand.
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