MORAGA, Calif. -- There was a buzz around Saint Mary's College yesterday as the newest class of Gaels arrived on campus, moved into the residence halls and started the process of becoming college students.

For approximately 50 new student-athletes, it was a chance to get to know their new teammates, become familiar with some of the athletic department's staff and start understanding their role as visible leaders within the community.

"It is great to have the athletes back on campus and, in particular, the newest class of freshmen," said Mark Orr, SMC's director of athletics. "Each and every year our coaches do an incredible job of attracting some of the best and brightest student-athletes to attend Saint Mary's. This is a really energizing time of the year and we are all looking forward to getting underway."

In addition to the campus' full schedule of "move-in day" events, incoming student-athletes attended two hours of athletic department orientation yesterday afternoon. The group listened to a welcome presentation from athletic department officials, then broke into groups for smaller sessions that covered NCAA rules and regulations, the public role of student-athletes and how to get involved with the Student-Athlete Advisory Council.

The first official athletic event of the new season takes place tonight when the Saint Mary's women's soccer team hosts George Washington University in a 4 p.m. match at Saint Mary's Stadium. The volleyball team is in action at the BYU Nike Invitational in Provo, Utah. Tomorrow, the men's soccer team hosts UC Davis at 3 p.m.