As the College closes out a strong year, Saint Mary’s looks ahead to continued academic growth, student success, and nationally visible athletics in 2026.

(PRUnderground) December 17th, 2025

As Saint Mary’s College of California closes out a strong year and looks ahead to continued progress in 2026, President Roger J. Thompson reflected on the College’s momentum during a pair of nationally streamed ESPN+ halftime interviews earlier this season.

The interviews aired during men’s basketball coverage, including a November 11 contest against Ohio University and the November 22 matchup against UC Merced, both Gael victories. The ESPN+ segments provided a national platform to profile Saint Mary’s distinctive academic mission, campus culture, and commitment to student success.

“Any opportunity to share what differentiates Saint Mary’s from other schools in our country is one I embrace,” President Thompson said. “Saint Mary’s offers all the things that a big school has, but in a small package that makes it very personalized for our students.”

President Thompson discussed the College’s forward trajectory across academics, student life, and athletics, pointing to Saint Mary’s commitment to providing a rigorous, values-based education grounded in community and purpose. In his interviews, President Thompson emphasized the College’s continued investment in student experience, academic excellence, and institutional growth while maintaining its distinctive Lasallian mission.

The nationally streamed conversations offered viewers insight into how Saint Mary’s integrates athletic success with academic achievement, fostering an environment where students are supported both on and off the court. President Thompson underscored the importance of preparing graduates not only for professional success, but also for lives of leadership and service.

Saint Mary’s presence on ESPN+ reflects the College’s growing national visibility and reinforces its reputation as a vibrant academic community within Division I athletics. Viewers can watch President Thompson’s ESPN+ halftime interview from the November 11 game against Ohio University and the November 22 interview from the Gaels’ matchup against UC Merced.

Saint Mary’s will host Florida Atlantic on Friday, December 19, at 7 p.m. at University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, California.

Founded in 1863, Saint Mary’s College of California is a nationally recognized Catholic, Lasallian institution located in Moraga, California. Known for its rigorous academics, personalized education, and strong sense of community, Saint Mary’s prepares students to lead with integrity, purpose, and compassion. The College offers undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in the liberal arts and supported by Division I athletics. Learn more at www.stmarys-ca.edu

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Original Press Release.