UC Merced Golden Bobcats
| UC Merced Bobcats | |
|---|---|
 | |
| University | University of California, Merced |
| Association | NAIA |
| Conference | CalPac (primary) |
| Location | Merced, California |
| First year | 2011 |
| Varsity teams | 12 (6 men's, 6 women's) |
| Basketball arena | Gallo Recreation Center |
| Mascot | Rufus |
| Nickname | Bobcats |
| Colors | Royal Blue and Gold |
| Website | www |
The UC Merced Bobcats are the intercollegiate athletics teams that represent the University of California, Merced (UCM), located in Merced, California, in intercollegiate sports as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the California Pacific Conference (Cal Pac) since the 2011–12 academic year.[1]
In November 2023, UC Merced was invited to join the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), pending approval by the NCAA to join the NCAA Division II level.[2]
History
On April 19, 2011, the NAIA made UC Merced one of four new members to join the organization. On May 6, 2011, the Bobcats were made official members of the CalPac. The school colors are royal blue and gold.
Club/intramural sports
The UC Merced Recreation and Athletics Department sponsors Club sports, including: archery, the Bobcat Dance Team, cheer, tennis, golf, and softball as of now. The university plans on adding more ICA and Club teams as the school progresses.
Intramural sports include a wide array of sports such as basketball, ultimate frisbee, flag football, dodgeball, grass volleyball, indoor volleyball, table tennis, soccer, e-sports, archery, etc.[3]
Varsity teams
All of UC Merced's intercollegiate sports teams compete in the California Pacific Conference. The UC Merced Recreation and Athletics Department sponsors twelve intercollegiate varsity sports. Men's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, volleyball, waterpolo and outdoor track and field; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, volleyball, waterpolo and outdoor track and field.[4]
References
- ^ Oppenheim, Jamie (November 17, 2010). "UC Merced ready to launch intercollegiate sports -- almost". Merced Sun-Star. Archived from the original on November 20, 2010. Retrieved November 21, 2010.
- ^ "UC Merced on way to NCAA Division II". Merced County Times. November 17, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
- ^ "University of California, Merced Athletics". University of California.
- ^ University of California, Merced - Student Athlete Handbook 2020-2021 https://www.ucmercedbobcats.com/d/2020-21/UC_Merced_Student_Athlete_Handbook_2020-21.pdf
