Santa Clara University Athletics

Santa Clara competes in NCAA Division I, meaning big-time college athletics with full scholarships and serious competition. The Broncos field 20 varsity sports with 375 total athletes, representing about 6% of the 6,235-student body. The university awards $8.9 million in athletic scholarships annually. Santa Clara plays in the West Coast Conference alongside rivals like Saint Mary's and Gonzaga. The basketball program has historically been the crown jewel, with memorable NCAA tournament runs including a Final Four appearance in 1993. The soccer programs consistently rank among the nation's best, with multiple national championships. While Silicon Valley tech culture dominates campus life, Broncos athletics still draw passionate student support, especially during basketball season when the rivalry with Saint Mary's heats up.