University of Saint Mary Athletics

The University of Saint Mary competes in the NJCAA, which governs community college and some four-year college athletics with a focus on athletic and academic balance rather than major commercial sports. With 701 total athletes across 22 varsity sports, an impressive 79% of the 889-student body participates in athletics. The school awards $2,880,505 in athletic scholarships annually, making sports accessible to many students. The Spires have built their reputation primarily in baseball and basketball, with their teams drawing solid local support in the Kansas City metro area. This high level of athletic participation creates a campus culture where sports are central to student life. Most students either compete themselves or actively support their classmates, making game days important social events for the tight-knit Catholic university community.