Fueled by a new men’s basketball coach, standout recruits, new concessions, an expanded pep band and dance team and other additions, University of the Pacific is entering a new era of athletics at the Alex G. Spanos Center, the university’s flagship sports venue.

The new vision for the university’s athletics programs is coming together under the leadership of Director of Athletics Adam Tschuor, now in his second year at Pacific.

“We’re really looking forward to our basketball seasons getting underway with a new and improved game day experience,” Tschuor said. “There’s a lot to be excited for with our women returning three 1,000-point scorers and our men bringing in a new coaching staff and 14 newcomers.

“On top of that, we greatly increased the sizes of our band and Tiger Dance squad, revamped our concessions with a new and larger menu, and have more Student Life initiatives to bring more students to the games. We can’t wait for an exciting year in the Spanos Center.”

Dave Smart makes his coaching debut at Pacific Monday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. when the men’s basketball team hosts its season opener. Smart, widely regarded as one of the most successful Canadian college basketball coaches of all time, has recruited 14 new players. Eight are international recruits with four coming from Canada. WCC Commissioner Stu Jackson will join President Christopher Callahan courtside for the season opener.

The women’s basketball team, led by veteran coach Bradley Davis, returns three 1,000-point career scorers: graduate student Liz Smith ’24 and seniors Elizabeth Elliott ’25 and Anaya James ’25. The trio earned all-Conference accolades last season and have a combined 3,143 points at Pacific. No other team in the conference has three 1,000-point scorers.

The team hosts its season opener Nov. 4 at 11 a.m. against Stanislaus State. Hundreds of elementary and middle school students are expected to attend as part of Pacific’s annual Education Day for schools from San Joaquin County.

The atmosphere in the arena will be amplified with an expanded Pep Band. The Pep Band averaged eight to 10 students per game last year; this year there are more than 40 students on the roster to fill 30 seats per game.

The band traditionally plays for men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball games. This year they will add water polo and select soccer games.

“Nothing substitutes live music,” said Associate Professor Jonathan Latta, who directs the band along with two student directors. “The uniforms are also updated, and the tunes are more contemporary. We have more than 50 tunes the band can play.”

The Tiger Dancers have grown to 12 dancers on the team, up from eight last year.

“It’s really exciting,” said coach Neriah Howard. “Having a bigger team shows how committed athletics is to supporting the Tiger Dancers,” she said, adding that the team brings energy not only to the fans but the coaches and teams.

The Tiger Dancers will host a clinic for high schoolers Dec. 7 with attendees getting to perform with the team at halftime and plan to resume dance competitions this year.

Student Life is working closely with athletics to increase attendance by launching new promotions and activities for students, faculty and staff. When the men’s basketball team has its season opener Nov. 4, students can use their meal plans at the Spanos Center to support the team, where there will be new food options in concessions.

“It’s going to be a whole new experience for fans,” said President Callahan, who regularly attends Pacific Athletics events. “There is a new energy and vibrancy surrounding our athletic teams with our new coaching staff and players, and the Pep Band and Tiger Dancers create a dynamic atmosphere at the games. We can’t wait for everyone to come together to cheer on the Tigers.” 

The university’s top leaders are also rallying around all 17 of the university’s Division-I athletics programs in new ways this year. Members of the university’s Cabinet have adopted teams to support throughout their seasons, inspired by First Lady Jean Callahan’s #WomenSupportingWomen initiative. The idea came about in 2023 to get more community support for the women’s basketball program.

Tickets for Pacific Athletics events are available online.