UCSB's sports teams compete in the Big West Conference,
with the exception of the men's and women's water polo teams and the men's volleyball team, which are in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
Santa Barbara is best known for its women's basketball and men's soccer teams, which are often among the best in the country. In 2004, the men's soccer team lost the NCAA championship match to Indiana University Bloomington.The Gauchos men's basketball team had its best years in the late '80s and early
'90s under coach Jerry Pimm.The Gauchos women's basketball team had its best years in the mid to late '90s
under coach Mark French.UCSB's most famous athletic alumnus is NBA star Brian Shaw, who has played for the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat,
Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers.UCSB was one of several California-based universities to discontinue their football
programs during the 1990s.