Highlighted by a first-place showing from the men's golf team, the community came together this past weekend on University of the Pacific’s Stockon Campus to celebrate Homecoming and Family Weekend in style, with numerous victories from athletics and a strong showing of school spirit from alumni, students and fans.

Men's golf dominated a 17-team field on its home course at The Reserve at Spanos Park as it topped second-place Colorado by 20 strokes at the Visit Stockton Pacific Invitational. Pacific swept the podium with the top three finishers and won its first home tournament since 2010.

The performance was bundled with a pair of other big upsets on campus as both the men's water polo and women's soccer programs knocked off West Coast Conference preseason favorites. The No. 18 men's water polo team beat No. 7 San Jose State in a 13-12 thriller at the Douglass M. Eberhardt Aquatics Center, while women's soccer ousted Santa Clara 2-1 at Knoles Field.

Pacific intentionally increased the number of athletics events during homecoming in recent years to create opportunities for alumni to reconnect with the community and support student-athletes.

“Homecoming is always one of the most special times of the year for us,” said Director of Athletics Adam Tschuor. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate our student-athletes, welcome back so many alumni who helped build our programs and showcase the incredible support this community provides.”

Numerous former players returned to visit with current student-athletes and reconnect with their programs.

“One of the highlights for our team was getting to spend time with our alumni,” said men’s golf Head Coach John Cook. “Hearing their stories and seeing their continued passion for Pacific is inspiring for our student-athletes and reminds them they’re part of something bigger.”

That sense of tradition and connection resonated across every venue.

 “There’s nothing quite like the energy of a home crowd during Homecoming,” said women’s volleyball Head Coach Greg Gibbons, whose team hosted a match Saturday evening in the Alex G. Spanos Center. “Our student-athletes feed off that excitement, and it’s always special to represent Pacific in front of so many familiar faces.”

The Tigers also showcased their renewed Pacific Spirit squad which combined the renowned Tiger Dancers with the revived cheerleading team of more than 20 students.

“This weekend was incredibly special for our group,” said Director of Spirit and Community Engagement Andrea Sanchez-Johnson, who serves as the head spirit coach. “It was the first time we’ve had a full spirit group back on the sidelines in years, and the response from the crowd was amazing. Our cheer and dance athletes have worked so hard to create an energetic, unified presence and it was rewarding to see them help elevate the game-day atmosphere.”

From thrilling matchups in the pool and on the pitch to intense competition on the court and course, the weekend showcased Pacific’s pride and spirit. As Pacific looks ahead to the rest of the fall season, team’s will carry the into the weeks ahead. See the full athletic schedule.