SAN JOSE, Calif. - For an unprecedented third straight year, Mercury News readers have voted San José State Athletics the Best College Sports Team. This honor caps a four-year era defined by record-breaking athletic performance, academic excellence, and a thriving professional pipeline.
"San José State has become a destination university for both athletics and academics, built on the grit, resilience, and relentless work ethic of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff," said Jeff Konya, SJSU Director of Athletics. "This historic recognition reflects the countless hours of preparation, sacrifice, and commitment that happen behind the scenes every day. To be honored by the readers of the Mercury News is a powerful testament to the determination and pride that define Spartan Athletics. We look forward to carrying this momentum into the spring and through the fall as we continue to raise the standard."
Key Highlights of the "All Spartans" Era:
- National Excellence: SJSU achieved its highest-ever LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup finish (85th nationally) in 2024 and earned the NACDA Community Service Award, presented by the Fiesta Bowl, for its impact on the local community.
- Gridiron Success: The Spartan football program recently made history with three consecutive bowl appearances.
Championship Caliber:
- Women’s Golf: 2022 & 2024 Mountain West Champions; home to 2025 Mountain West Golfer of the Year and NCAA National Champion runner-up Lucia Lopez Ortega.
- Men’s Water Polo: 2023 and 2025 WCC Champions.
- Olympic & Pro Sports: Baseball, Gymnastics, and Women’s Soccer have all secured recent conference titles.
- The "Pro Factory": SJSU continues to produce elite talent for the NFL, MLB, LPGA, and European leagues, including stars like Nick Nash (Commanders), Natasha Andrea Oon (LPGA), and Charles McAdoo (Blue Jays).
- Academic Records: The department achieved a record 3.270 collective GPA in Fall 2025, with 70% of student-athletes maintaining a 3.0 or higher.
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