Paulius Murauskas -- yes, another Lithuanian in a Gael uniform -- will become the main man after being named the West Coast Conference Newcomer of the Year last season. He’s the only returning starter for Randy Bennett and company, though Mikey Lewis was the WCC Sixth Man of the Year and also can expect a larger role.
Though it’s unclear how a middle-class athletic program like Saint Mary’s will fit in the cutthroat new world of college sports, that’s the future – in the here and now, both the men’s and women’s programs still have a schedule to play, and a West Coast Conference title to chase.
The men’s program, of course, has become a mid-major powerhouse under the guidance of Randy Bennett, who’s starting his 25th year in charge of the team, while women’s coach Jeff Cammon is looking to take the next step into contention in his third year on the job.
Men’s team
The Gaels have supplanted Gonzaga as the face of the WCC, as they are looking for their fourth straight title in 2025-26. But familiar faces who have fueled that run have moved on, and SMC must reload to hold off Gonzaga and the rest of the challengers.
The biggest losses were Augustas Marciulionis, the WCC Player of the Year last season, and inside force Mitchell Saxen (Defensive Player of the Year) but look for Paulius Murauskas, last year’s second leading scorer, to take on a much bigger role. And Mikey Lewis, the league’s Sixth Man of the Year, will likely move into a starting role, giving Bennett some firepower to build around.
Hopes are high for transfer Tony Duckett (University of San Diego) and top 100 freshman recruit Dillan Shaw, though the continuity that has served St. Mary’s so well in recent seasons has been somewhat interrupted.
Fans will also get a chance to see a trio of East Bay players try to claim a spot in the rotation, starting with Campolindo alum Cade Bennett (yes, Randy’s son) and two Granada grads, Andrew McKeever and Kevin Gad.
Women’s team
Though Cammon is known as a defensive coach, you still have to score to win, and improving on last year’s 14-17 record will require replacing the Gaels’ top three scorers.
Sharpshooter Emily Foy (35.3% from three) will provide a perimeter threat, and she will likely be joined in the backcourt by Santa Clara transfer Malia Latu, who averaged 10.6 points for the Broncos. The Gaels also have another Santa Clara vet, Georgia Grigoropoulou, on hand this year, and the 6-3 senior forward will play a big role in the frontcourt.
Grigoropoulou’s presence should help improve the team’s rebounding, which was a weakness last season, and junior Jada Hunter needs to step into the lead guard role if the Gaels are going to make a run at the conference title.
Both programs, though, face an uncertain future, as top programs now can spend literally millions of dollars on players, and will look to entice any mid-major breakout stars with significant offers. Like so many other mid-majors, it’s unclear how Saint Mary’s will navigate the rapidly shifting tides in college athletics, as financial muscle is now crucial in attracting and retaining talent.
Even so, both teams expect to be competitive in the WCC and beyond this year, and though schedules have yet to be announced, there will be quality games all season long just a few miles down the road.
