The Gauchos earned 235.00 points overall, securing them the All-Sports Trophy. Photo Courtesy of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics
For the first time in UC Santa Barbara’s history, UCSB Athletics has secured the Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association All-Sports Trophy for the 2024-25 athletic season.
According to the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, the All-Sports Trophy is awarded to the institution that has the highest point total in all sports in which at least 25% of the eligible I-AAA membership sponsor the given sport. The Gauchos tallied a total of 235 points across 21 sports to secure the prestigious award.
The road to 235
The highest-scoring athletics programs at UCSB included softball, women’s tennis and men’s outdoor track and field, each of which finished atop the Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association (DI-AAA ADA) standings in their respective sport.
Softball
UCSB softball finished their 2024-25 season strong with a 36-26 record overall. Not only did they claim the Big West Conference Championship, but they also made it to Game 1 of the NCAA Championship Final, where they ultimately lost to the UC Los Angeles Bruins.
Women’s tennis
UCSB women’s tennis also had a successful 2024-25 season, with an overall record of 17-9. The Gauchos also claimed the Big West champion title in a 4-2 match against Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Women’s tennis also competed in the NCAA tournament, where they made it to the second round.
Men’s outdoor track and field
UCSB men’s outdoor track and field had an impressive 2024-25 season, with several top finishes in several events. The team as a whole took first place in the Big West Championships Multis with 18 points, and fourth place in the Big West Championships overall with 104 points. Fourth-year chemical engineering major Brad Thomas represented the Gauchos at the NCAA Championships, taking home second place in the men’s decathlon.
In total, five UCSB programs claimed Big West Conference titles this past year, including women’s swimming, women’s tennis, women’s soccer, softball and men’s swimming. This was the first time since the 2004-05 athletic season that four UCSB women’s teams secured conference titles, leading the Gauchos to the All-Sports victory.
Joining the Gauchos in the top five DI-AAA ADA standings were Pepperdine University (212 points), Providence College (202.5 points), Creighton University (198 points) and the University of Denver (174.5 points).
