Athletics and Recreation
25
NCAA Division III national championships
15
NCAA Division III athletic programs
14,000+
Students participating in A&R facilities and programs annually
Athletics and Recreation fosters student well-being, connection, and school spirit through a wide range of programs that encourage active living and community engagement. From NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics to Sports Clubs, Intramural Sports, fitness programs, and outdoor recreation, the department leverages UCSC’s unique natural setting to support the health and community of the entire campus. With more than 14,000 students engaging across facilities and programs each year, Athletics and Recreation creates opportunities for every student to stay active and show their Banana Slug pride.
SPOTLIGHT ON:
Run Like a Slug 5K
In the inaugural Run Like a Slug 5K, students, faculty, and staff joined in a spirited run through campus. The event created a supportive and celebratory atmosphere, coinciding with the Campus Wellness Fair. With 685 total participants (592 students and 93 staff members) the event brought the campus community together to embrace their inner Banana Slug and prioritize health and well-being.
Our departments
Athletics (NCAA Division III)
UCSC Athletics is home to 15 NCAA Division III programs that have earned 25 national championships. Our 300 student-athletes compete with excellence and integrity while upholding strong academic standards. We field teams in men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, volleyball, cross country, track and field, and women’s golf. Sports Medicine provides comprehensive care to promote student-athlete health and injury prevention.
Recreation
Recreation offers a wide range of programs for the entire campus community, including Adventure Rec, Intramural Sports, boating, group fitness, and more. With more than 1,200 Sport Club athletes and thousands of students accessing recreational facilities each year, Recreation creates inclusive opportunities for students to stay active, build community, and develop lifelong wellness habits. All programs are supported by facilities serving over 14,000 students annually, with over 800,000 facility visits in the 2024-25 academic year.
Leadership
Chris Spells
Director of Athletics and Recreation
Chris Spells joined UC Santa Cruz as Director of Athletics & Recreation in June 2024. He came to UCSC from Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS), where he spent eight years in senior leadership roles, most recently as Assistant Athletic Director for Facility Operations, Recreation, & Engagement. At CMS, Chris oversaw operations for varsity athletics and recreation, led the opening of the 150,000-square-foot Roberts Pavilion, and directed NCAA regional and national championship events.
Chris previously held several roles at Stanford University within Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation, including Assistant Director for Facilities and Operations. He was a 2023-24 NCAA Pathways Program participant and serves on the NCAA Division III Strategic Planning and Finance Committee.
At UC Santa Cruz, Chris is committed to elevating Athletics and Recreation, creating exceptional experiences for students, faculty, and staff, and strengthening community engagement across campus. Go Slugs!
Meet our senior leaders
Clint Angus
Senior Associate Director, Athletics and Recreation for Facility Operations and Capital Planning
Cristen Babik
Senior Associate Director, Athletics and Recreation for Business Operations and Physical Education
Athletics and Recreation in the news
Athletics & Recreation, Inspiring Change: Gift news, Inspiring Change: Student Success
Leadership gift advances East Field running path renewal
A generous $500,000 gift will revitalize the East Field running path, enhancing movement, connection, and well-being across the UCSC community.
Athletics & Recreation
Athletics & Recreation joins Division of Student Affairs and Success
As of August 11, Athletics & Recreation is part of the Division of Student Affairs and Success, creating new opportunities to enhance the student experience through integrated programs that support holistic development, belonging, and campus engagement.
Announcing new director of Athletics and Recreation
Chris Spells brings a depth of experience overseeing daily athletic operations for NCAA varsity sports and recreational programming. Chris’s first day on campus will be June 1.