UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs
| UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| University | University of California, Santa Cruz |
| Conference | Independent |
| NCAA | Division III |
| Athletic director | TBA |
| Location | Santa Cruz, California |
| Varsity teams | 15 |
| Basketball arena | Kaiser Permanente Arena |
| Mascot | Sammy the Slug |
| Fight song | Banana Slugs Racing Down the Field |
| Colors | Navy Blue and Gold |
| Website | www |
The UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs are the athletic teams that represent the University of California, Santa Cruz. The Banana Slugs compete in Division III of the NCAA as an independent member. There are fifteen varsity sports – men's and women's basketball, tennis, soccer, volleyball, swimming, cross country and diving, and women's golf. UCSC teams have been Division III nationally ranked in tennis, soccer, men's volleyball, and swimming. UCSC maintains a number of successful club sides.
In 2016, due to a mounting debt in funding of the athletic program, the university polled its students on whether or not they would approve an increase in tuition which would be necessary to maintain the athletic program. There was a significant doubt that the students would approve this increase. Contrary to the predictions, a majority of the students approved a significant addition to their annual tuition to maintain the existence of the athletic program.
By defeating Emory to win the 2007 NCAA Division III National Championship in men's tennis, UCSC has won six men's tennis team championships. The Banana Slugs were also runners-up in men's soccer in 2004. In the 2006 season, the men's water polo team won the Division III championship, as well as an overall NCAA ranking of 19th in the nation. However, both the men and women's water polo teams were cut in 2008 due to budget constraints.
In 2012, the Men's Volleyball Team made a Division III NCAA Semifinal's appearance. In 2013, the Men's Volleyball Team qualified for a second appearance to the Division III NCAA Tournament. UCSC is one of the largest but one of the least funded NCAA Division III members.
Starting in 2013, both men's and women's basketball teams play downtown at the Kaiser Permanente Arena.
In addition to its NCAA sports, UCSC maintains a number of successful club sides including its women's rugby NCAA Division team, which won the Division II National Collegiate Championship during its 2005 season and has competed at nationals several times since, most recently in 2010 and 2013. However, many other club teams exist such as soccer, lacrosse, baseball, rugby, and softball.
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