Club Sports
![2024 Club Athletics Header](/sites/default/files/styles/header_mobile/public/2023-12/2024%20Club%20Athletics%20Header%20%20%281%29.png?h=23bab0c3&itok=OAvEAcHx)
Whether you are a student who enjoys the excitement of learning something new, or you are a top-tier athlete who strives to remain competitive while at Saint Mary's College, let the Club Sports program connect you with smaller communities who share those same skills and interests.
We empower our students to engage one another by learning, practicing, building lifelong friendships, and competing on and off campus, in over 15 different competitive and recreational sports!
Gaels in Action
Our club sports athletes take action on and off the court or field an make an impact on our SMC community, both locally and nationally.
Club Sports In the News
Fundraisers
Your Support for Club Sports is greatly appreciated!
Staff Directory
![Jeremy Penaflor, Director of Recreational Sports](/sites/default/files/2023-11/Jeremy%20Penaflor%20headshot%20%28small%29_0.jpg)
Meet the team - Click on name to request appointment
Jeremy Penaflor - Director of Recreational Sports
Email: jnp9@thawedding.com, Office #: 925.631.4480
Jeremy Peñaflor comes to Saint Mary's after a career as a collegiate volleyball coach of over 19 years. He comes by way of Ohlone College, having spent 14 years as head volleyball coach of the Ohlone College Renegades Volleyball program. Prior to Ohlone College, Penaflor was an assistant volleyball coach with the San Jose State University Volleyball program. Having earned his bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from San Jose State, Penaflor went on to attend California University of Pennsylvania to earn his Masters degree in Sports Management. Penaflor also brings a wealth of experience to SMC as he steps into his new role of Director of Recreational Sports in the Club Athletics Department. He served as Club Director for Ohlone Juniors Volleyball Club for over 10 years, managing multiple teams, players, and families of various age groups.
Penaflor also was a member of the committee that created Club Sports at San Jose State University. While at SJSU, he served as the first Club Sports Student Assistant to the Director of Club Sports, and he also was a member of the Club Sports Council serving as the Club Sports Liaison to represent the student voice among the SJSU administration. Penaflor also brings a heavy interest in student success to SMC. At Ohlone College, he was an active member of the Student Health Advisory Committee, the Student Equity & Achievement Committee, a subcommittee member of the Summer Bridge/First Year Experience program, and a new joint committee between Ohlone College and Stanford University called the Smoke and Vape-Free Scholar Initiative Advisory Committee - a research based group that looks to decrease and/or eliminate the use of smoke and vape products on college campuses.
Prior to his professional career Penaflor was a member of the San Jose State University Men's Volleyball Club Team. As a student-athlete, he was named to the All-NCCVL First Team (2002, 2004). At the NIRSA National Championship Tournament, he was selected All-Tournament Libero for two tournament appearances (2002, 2003). Penaflor is married to his wife Sarah of 12 years. They have two daughters, Lilly (11yrs) and Vivian (7yrs), attending middle and elementary school, and they also have a pet dog named Ryder (17 months). When not in the world of sports, Penaflor enjoys running, cycling, and having family time in Lake Tahoe or going on family camping trips.
![Tom Perry, Assistant Director of Club Athletics Operations](/sites/default/files/2023-09/Tom%20Perry%20-%209.7.23%20%20Francis%20Tatem-7403027_1.jpg)
Meet the team - Click on name to request appointment
Tom Perry - Assistant Director of Club Sports Operations & Women's Lacrosse Coach
tjp5@thawedding.com, Office #: 925.631.6297
Tom is a former East Coaster now settled down in Danville for the past 25 years. He’s married with 2 daughters - Sarah an Emerson College grad and Madison a Sonoma State grad, as well as having an overly energetic Aussie named Duke. He attended Penn State-Berks and completed the ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate program at Saint Mary’s College.
Before joining the Club Athletics Department, he worked in the legal industry for 20+ years with an emphasis in compliance and legal operations. In addition to his legal career, Tom has been heavily involved with women's lacrosse at the collegiate, high school and youth levels serving as the Head Women’s Coach at St Mary’s College for the past five seasons; the D1 North Commissioner for the Western Women’s Lacrosse League; State Director for True California Attack Lacrosse and with US Lacrosse as the National Team - Northern California Coordinator.
![Amanda Morton, Director of Athletic Training in Club Athletics](/sites/default/files/2023-09/Amanda%20Morton%20-%209.7.23%20%20Francis%20Tatem-7402987.jpg)
Meet the team - Click on name to request appointment
Amanda Morton - Athletic Trainer for Club Sports
akm20@thawedding.com, ATR #: 925.631.6060
Amanda started her athletic training career as an undergraduate student at Iowa State University where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Athletic Training and a Minor in History. After graduating she took an internship position at Sacramento State University, where she was eventually hired on as full time staff. During her time at Sacramento State she worked with Baseball, Football, Track, and Golf. She was the Head Football Athletic Trainer for the 2021 season, where the Hornets went on to win back to back Big Sky Championships. She is very excited to join the Saint Mary's Club Athletics Staff.
Outside of work you can catch her hiking with her all white Siberian Husky, Ranger or, with her family in Sonoma County where she grew up.
![Lillian O'Keefe](/sites/default/files/2023-10/Screenshot%202023-10-23%20at%2011.58.23%20AM.png)
Meet the team
Lillian O'Keefe
Club Sports Assistant Manager
Lillian, as a recent Alum was an active participant in Club Sports while at SMC and has an extensive background in leadership and organization skills. Her passion for sport and active lifestyle is contagious. She spends her time with family and friends while enjoying the outdoors.
![Rebecca Harper](/sites/default/files/2023-09/Beckie%20Harper%20Profile%20Picture.jpg)
Meet the team
Rebecca Harper "Beckie"-
Executive Director of Strategy, Planning & Operations
rrh1@thawedding.com, office: 925.631.6296
Beckie started at SMC in 2013 and provides oversight management of recreation and clubs sports. She started her career at San Jose State where she played water polo and completed her masters degree in 2011. She serves on various aquatic-related boards in the community and has served as an American Red Cross Instructor for over 20 years.
Married with 3 children, you can catch Beckie standing on the sideline of any sporting event, taking photos and cheering on the Gaels.
CONTACT US
Campus Location: Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center
1928 St. Mary's Road
Moraga, CA 94575
Telephone: 925-631-6294
Email: clubathletics@thawedding.com