PORTLAND, OR — The Great Northwest Athletic Conference is ready to begin the 2024-2025 athletic year, and the fall sports programs at Saint Martin's University are ready to compete. With a variety of returners across all sports and a talented bunch of new athletes on campus, the Saints are poised for a fantastic start to the school year.

Volleyball
Ranked ninth out of ten teams in the preseason polls, the volleyball team is ready to take the conference by storm under the leadership of first-year head coach Wade Taylor. Taylor, who brings fresh energy and a new strategic approach, will look to rally the team around their standout players. Taylor comes from California State University, Los Angeles where he won the 2023 NCAA Division II Volleyball National Championship as an assistant coach. Emily Garten, who earned Preseason All-Conference honors, is expected to be a central figure on the court. Alongside her, notable returners are Zoey Crimin, Abigail Halstead, Jennifer Soha, and Emmy Hansen who provide a strong core of experienced talent. The team also welcomes notable transfers Mia Arambula and Kingsley Mason, who are expected to make immediate contributions.

Cross Country
Both cross country squads are determined and focused entering the fall season. The Women's team is ranked fourth out of ten in the GNAC, signaling potential for a strong finish, while the Men's team is positioned at seventh out of ten teams. Both squads are under the guidance of first-year head coach Gabriel Trimbur, who is focused on pushing his athletes to reach new heights. Notable returners for the Men's team include Kainalu Pagente and Elijah Dale who are both coming off successful 2023-2024 campaigns in cross country and track & field. The Women's team will be led by the experienced Kya Ramirez, and they are bolstered by the addition of track standout Maddy Vu, who brings her exceptional endurance to the course this season. With a mix of returning talent and new faces, the Women's team aims to challenge for a top spot in the conference.

Women's Soccer
The Saints Women's soccer team is ranked eighth out of eight in the preseason poll. Second-year head coach Derek Faulkner is ready to push and reach this team's potential. With another year of experience and development under their belts, the team is poised to take steps forward. They will get a huge boost from experienced returners Inara Lopes De Andrade (midfielder) and Flavia Burrell (goalkeeper). Their experience and leadership will be crucial as the team navigates a competitive conference slate. The team also welcomes many new players but two to keep an eye out for are Hinata Kojima from Japan and Eve Charles from Grenada - both of whom enter the season with prior collegiate experience. 

Men's Soccer
The Men's soccer team is entering the season ranked seventh out of seven teams in the GNAC Preseason Poll. Under the guidance of 18-year head coach Rob Walker, who has a wealth of experience and a track record of building competitive teams, the Saints will rely on its veteran players to set the tone for the season, including key returners Xander Koenig, Angel Alvarado-Fajardo, and Ethan Jud. Their leadership and experience will be critical in guiding the younger players and pushing the team towards success.

Golf
The fall season also means the start of the golf season for third-year head coach Anne Bahr, who will be leading both the Men's and Women's golf programs for the first time in her career. With a plethora of new talent, including Swedish standout Rasmus Tamker and Regis University transfers Christopher Gunlikson and Gavin Klein, the Men's team is set for a breakout year on the green. The Women's team returns their full roster from the previous season, with All-Conference talents Kelsie Inouye, Ashley Bruland, and Hannah White leading the charge.

With the fall season in full swing, there is much to be excited about for Saint Martin's Athletics. Make sure to get tickets for upcoming contests here.