Seattle - The Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) has announced the addition of the University of British Columbia in men's rowing, beginning with the upcoming 2025-26 season. UBC's athletic programs primarily compete in the Canada West and Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) on the NAIA level, though its men's rowing squad will have a conference affiliation for the first time. The first official UBC Men's Rowing team was recognized in 1921, though the program has roots to the establishment of The Vancouver Rowing Club and the incorporation of the city of Vancouver in 1886.
Since hiring fifth-year MPSF Commissioner Foti Mellis in 2021, the conference has added 71 teams, 36 schools, seven sports — and now — a new nation. "We are thrilled to welcome the University of British Columbia to the MPSF as our newest member in Men's Rowing," said Mellis. "Their inclusion marks a historic milestone, as UBC becomes the first school from Canada to join our conference. We look forward to the collaborative spirit and competitive excellence they will bring to our MPSF championship regatta."
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, UBC becomes the first-ever program in any sport to enter the MPSF from outside the United States.
"We are extremely pleased to see our celebrated UBC Men's Rowing program accepted for membership to the MPSF," said UBC Director of Athletics, Robin D'Abreo. "We appreciate being considered and welcomed by all involved and we're looking forward to expanding our opportunities in highly competitive environments within collegiate rowing. This new venture will no doubt benefit our dedicated student-athletes and further enrich our storied rowing program."
Joining UBC in the six-team MPSF Men's Rowing Conference for its second season in 2025-26 will be the University of California, Oregon State, Stanford, UC San Diego, and Washington. The MPSF Men's Rowing Championships will again be held at Lake Natoma in Gold River, CA, May 16-17, 2026.
Mike Pearce will be entering his 28th year as head coach of UBC Men's Rowing. He has guided the Thunderbirds to the Canadian University Rowing National Championship 10 times, including the last four consecutively, and is a nine-time national coach of the year. "Membership to the MPSF and the opportunity to race in a major West Coast championship is bringing some real excitement to our athletic department, the program and our alumni," said Pearce. "The quality of the racing will be outstanding, featuring some of the best programs in the US. The depth in collegiate rowing in the US is impressive and growing, and we've wanted in for a long time. The MPSF focuses on Olympic sports, and it replaced the long-standing Pac-12 Championships and was keen to adding competitive programs. We are looking forward to adding to the depth of the event and relish the opportunity to test ourselves against some outstanding West Coast programs."
The MPSF enters the 2025-26 year with 121 total national championships, including four during 2024-25, with its 113 NCAA titles leading the nation amongst Division-I Non-Power Four Conferences.
MPSF Men's Rowing information, including specific championship details, is located on the conference website's championship central page at mpsports.org. Follow the MPSF on social media @MPSFSports. UBC Men's Rowing information can be found on its athletics' webpage at gothunderbirds.ca and on its social channels @UBCtbirds.
