Teams, games and new leaders in action brings fans to Marcus Pavilion on January 29, 2026.
With more than a dozen teams competing in men’s and women’s sports, the Saint Martin’s University Saints athletic program draws in fans all year round. In January 2026, the Saints are inviting newcomers, longtime supporters and community members alike to Pack the Pavilion for a festive, high-energy double-header basketball game.
With the addition of new coaches leading the volleyball and baseball programs, Saints Athletics is entering the 2026 seasons with renewed energy and excitement. Everyone is welcome to attend games and matches and fans can find home game times, road schedules and full details on the SMU Saints website.
Pack the Pavilion returns: a can’t-miss Saints basketball double-header
One of Saint Martin’s University’s most electric traditions is back. Pack the Pavilion, presented by Peak Credit Union, returns on Thursday, January 29, 2026, inviting students, alumni, faculty, staff and the greater community to unite for an unforgettable night of Saints basketball.
For nearly a decade, Pack the Pavilion has been a beloved Saint Martin’s University tradition, showcasing top competition and transforming Marcus Pavilion into a sea of energy, camaraderie and Saints spirit. More than just a pair of games, the event is a family-friendly celebration that gives Saint Martin’s student-athletes a true home-court advantage.
The women’s team will face off against the Western Washington University Vikings and 5:15 p.m., and the men’s team will challenge the Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets at 7:30 p.m.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and be part of the excitement with “Warming Up with the Saints”, an exclusive fan-favorite pre-game experience that occurs before the games, featuring refreshments and light appetizers, and an up-close encounter with the action. “Warming up with the Saints” starts one hour before the women’s game, at 4:15 p.m.
Basketball tickets range from $10 to $15 for single game seats and $150 to $325 for season tickets. “Warming Up with the Saints” tickets are $25, include access to both games and may be purchased at the door on game day.
Another “Warming Up with the Saints” event will be on February 21 at 4:30 p.m., which coincides with Homecoming.
Complete schedules are posted online for the men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online to avoid waiting at the door.
Don’t forget your red gear so you can be a part of the wall of color supporting our home team! Go Saints!
New women’s volleyball coach Haley Domeck is grateful for a winning first season
New head volleyball coach Haley Domeck joined the Saints in 2025. From a family of athletes, this self-proclaimed “Washington kid” played games at Saint Martin’s as a college athlete, and her mom won a 3A volleyball championship on the same court.
After starting her coaching career in Alabama, Domeck moved to Seattle schools then later became the first head volleyball coach at Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon.
Domeck says that the previous interim coach at Saint Martin’s helped her transition in the spring of 2025, after which she hired a new staff to support and strengthen the program. The volleyball championship season ran from August through November. Even during this time of transition, none of her Saints players transferred out during the season, which was a true vote of confidence.
She is proud to have had a good group of students who earned a solid 9-6 overall record. The new volleyball staff are also settling in well and starting to expand recruitment, teambuilding and camp opportunities for younger athletes.
“We invite local high schools to come to games,” says Domeck. “They’re welcome to reach out for free tickets to attend. We sold out summer camps for both middle and high school students and many of those campers have come to recent home games and visited with team members.”
Domeck encourages prospective new players to reach out online or email hdomeck@stmartin.edu with questions.
Baseball coach Jacob Garsez believes strong staff and healthy team culture build success
Jacob Garsez has coached baseball in Oregon and California. As a Saint, Garsez says he’s “fortunate to be part of a coaching staff with their noses to the grindstone.” After relocating to our area in August 2025, he’s finally settling in now that his kids begin school and his family is establishing roots in the community.
He’s excited for his role at Saint Martin’s. “The returning players have talent and motivation,” Garsez explains, “and with recent field upgrades, it’s the right time to make big moves. We noticed right away when calling returning players that it was pretty evident that they enjoyed both the school and community that’s here.”
The upgrades are thanks to a $1.5 million anonymous gift to the baseball program. Funds have been earmarked for field improvements, year-round batting cage enclosures, and future updates and maintenance.
The baseball team hopes to restart youth camps next summer as well as prospect camps for potential new Saints players. Team practices begin in mid-January, with their first game taking place against Vanguard University at the end of January 2026.
Prospective players can also use the online form for more information or send questions to Garsez at jgarsez@stmartin.edu to learn more.
Fill the stands, Pack the Pavilion and cheer for the home team with Saints Athletics
Whether you prefer baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track and field or volleyball, the Saints welcome fans to cheer from the stands at every game.
Information about competitors, tickets and ticket packages, game times and more is available through the Saints Ticket Office. Younger athletes looking for an edge in their sport can check out Saints Camps offered in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, track and field and volleyball.
From the SMU Saints website you’ll also find digital photo albums, live video feeds, digital game programs and the team store. There’s even a regional visitor’s guide for families attending games, as well as a special DoubleTree Hotel reservation link.
Don’t miss the first Saints pitch, spike, sprint or kickoff of the season. Get your tickets today and mark your calendar to Pack the Pavilion with friends, neighbors and fellow super-fans this January.
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