Athletics

Distinguished rankings, new academic offerings, world-class research and campus expansions were among the highlights of the UC Merced State of the University address delivered by Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz.

"The state of this 20-year-old institution is unparalleled in the history of American higher education," said Muñoz. "And now I would like to invite you to join me in imagining an even more impactful future for our campus, faculty, staff and students."

UC Merced is highlighting incoming students for fall 2023 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats.

When Clovis native and lifelong volleyball player Morgan Wilson first began exploring her options to play at the collegiate level, her path was not clear. She had several out-of-state opportunities, none of which felt like the right fit.

"I didn't even feel a spark with a lot of the schools," she said.

Then she visited UC Merced.

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – The University of California, Merced men's and women's outdoor track teams swept the team titles at the California Pacific Conference Championships on Friday at Soka University Track Complex.

Individually, Jonathan Chavez took home Cal Pac Track Male Athlete of the Year honors, Elizette Ysais earned Cal Pac Female Athlete of the Year, and head coach Vicente Velarde was named the Cal Pac Men's and Women's Coach of the Year.

First-year student Edwin Casillas found everything he was looking for in a university — and more — at UC Merced. Nearly a year after the Sonora native said he "felt at home" when visiting the campus, he is confident he made the right decision to become a Bobcat.

2022 was a banner year for UC Merced marked with growth, innovation and prestige. As we boldly move forward toward 2023, here's a look back at the stories that stood out this year. 

Solar-paneled Canals Getting a Test Run in San Joaquin Valley

February 8, 2022

UC Merced is adding men’s and women’s water polo and men’s and women’s outdoor track as varsity intercollegiate sports beginning in the 2022-23 academic year.

This announcement gives UC Merced Athletics 12 sponsored varsity sports: six men’s teams and six women’s teams.

“We are excited to be able grow our programs as our campus continues to grow,” Executive Director of Recreation & Athletics David Dunham said. “Water polo has a rich history in the Central Valley and will be a great addition to our campus.”

UC Merced is highlighting incoming first-year students for fall 2022 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats.

Edwin Casillas chose UC Merced for many reasons, he said. He likes the “little city” feel of the campus. He is drawn to the “friendly student environment.” And he loves soccer.

“I had the honor and privilege of being able to practice with the men’s soccer team during a training,” the graduating Sonora High School senior said, “and during that time, all the players and coaches were so welcoming, I felt at home.”

The UC Merced women's basketball team beat Westcliff University 64-46 on Tuesday night to win their fourth California Pacific Conference Tournament Championship in the last eight years.

University of California, Merced women's soccer defender Maddie Door has been named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Women's Soccer First Team for her stellar performances athletically and in the classroom.

Andres Lua scored a golden goal in the 101st minute and the University of California, Merced men's soccer team won their second straight California Pacific Conference Tournament Championship, 3-2 (2OT) over Marymount California University on Saturday night at Bobcat Field.