Pomona-Pitzer Athletics: An Overview of Competitive College Sports Programs

sagehens Struggle Against Oberlin in david Wells Classic, Face Caltech Next

Claremont, CA – The Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens women’s basketball team faced a tough battle in the David Wells Classic, falling to Oberlin. Despite a strong defensive showing, the Sagehens struggled to find their offensive rhythm, allowing Oberlin to gain an early lead.

The Sagehens found themselves trailing early on, as Oberlin capitalized on their opportunities. The Sagehens’ Patricco put the first points on the board, sinking two free throws at the 8:58 mark to briefly give them a 2-0 advantage. However, Oberlin quickly responded with back-to-back three-pointers, shifting momentum in their favor.

Looking ahead, the Sagehens will regroup and prepare for their next challenge. They are scheduled to face Caltech on December 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The game will be held at Caltech.

What academic support resources are available to student-athletes at Pomona-Pitzer?

Division III Powerhouse: A unique Athletic Identity

Pomona-Pitzer, a consortium of Pomona college and Pitzer College, competes as a single athletic program within NCAA Division III. This unique arrangement fosters a strong sense of community and allows student-athletes to excel both academically and athletically.Unlike Division I and II, Division III emphasizes participation and academic achievement over athletic scholarships, creating a diffrent, yet highly competitive, landscape for college sports. Teh program is a member of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC), consistently ranking among the top programs in the conference.

Sports Offered at Pomona-Pitzer

The Sagehens (Pomona-Pitzer’s athletic nickname) field teams in a diverse range of sports, catering to a wide variety of athletic interests. Here’s a breakdown of the current offerings:

* Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, Water Polo, Wrestling.

* Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo.

This comprehensive selection ensures opportunities for students with varying athletic backgrounds and skill levels to participate in interscholastic athletics.

Recent athletic Achievements & Highlights (2023-2024 & 2024-2025)

Pomona-Pitzer athletics have seen important success in recent years. Here are some notable achievements:

1. Swimming & Diving: The Sagehens consistently dominate the SCIAC Championships in both men’s and women’s swimming and diving. Multiple individual NCAA All-Americans have emerged from the program. In the 2024 season, the women’s team secured their 12th consecutive SCIAC title.
2. Women’s Basketball: The women’s basketball team has been a perennial contender in the SCIAC, frequently earning NCAA tournament berths. They reached the NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen in 2023.
3. Men’s Lacrosse: The men’s lacrosse program has experienced a resurgence, becoming a consistent threat in the SCIAC. They achieved a program-best record in 2024, finishing with a 13-5 overall record.
4. Football: While facing challenges in a competitive conference, the football program continues to develop and improve, focusing on student-athlete development and academic success.
5. Tennis: Both the men’s and women’s tennis teams consistently rank highly in the SCIAC and nationally within Division III.

thes successes demonstrate the commitment to competitive athletics and the high caliber of student-athletes attracted to Pomona-Pitzer.

Facilities & Resources for Student-Athletes

Pomona-Pitzer invests heavily in its athletic facilities to provide a top-notch experience for its student-athletes. Key facilities include:

* Alexander Gymnasium: A multi-purpose facility hosting basketball, volleyball, and indoor track & field events.

* Memorial Field: The primary venue for football, lacrosse, and soccer.

* Burns Pool: A state-of-the-art aquatic center for swimming and diving.

* rains Tennis Courts: Dedicated courts for both men’s and women’s tennis.

* Weight Training & Conditioning Center: A fully equipped facility for strength and conditioning programs.

Beyond physical facilities, Pomona-Pitzer provides comprehensive support services, including athletic trainers, sports medicine staff, academic advising, and career counseling, all geared towards supporting the holistic development of the student-athlete experience.

The SCIAC Conference & Regional Competition

The Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) is a highly respected Division III conference known for its academic rigor and competitive athletic programs. Pomona-pitzer’s membership in the SCIAC provides opportunities for regular competition against institutions like Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS), Occidental College, and the University of Redlands. success within the SCIAC frequently enough translates to NCAA tournament appearances and regional recognition.The SCIAC conference is a key component of the athletic identity of Pomona-Pitzer.

Balancing Academics and Athletics: The Pomona-Pitzer Model

A defining characteristic of Pomona-Pitzer athletics is the emphasis on balancing academic pursuits with athletic commitments. The Division III philosophy prioritizes the student in student-athlete. This means:

* No Athletic Scholarships: Athletes are admitted based on their academic merit and overall fit within the college community.

* Academic Support: Dedicated resources are available to help student-athletes manage their coursework and maintain strong academic standing.

* Time Management Skills: Student-athletes develop strong time management skills to effectively balance training,competition,and academic responsibilities.

This commitment to academic excellence alongside collegiate athletics creates a unique and enriching experience for student-athletes.

Recruiting & Prospective Athletes

Pomona-Pitzer actively recruits talented student-athletes who demonstrate both athletic potential and academic promise. The recruiting process typically involves:

1. Initial Contact: Coaches may reach out to prospective athletes based on their high school performance and academic record.
2. Campus visit: Prospective athletes are encouraged to visit the campus, meet with coaches and current student-athletes