They started out as the Golden Warriors. That proved too long for headlines, so soon Siena became the Indians. In the late 1980s, they became the Saints.There was a time, not long ago, when the majority of Siena's student-athletes hailed from homes in the Capital Region, and jumping in a van and traveling to Saratoga, Troy, Schenectady and Albany could meet athletic teams' scheduling requirements.

In 1976, however, Siena's athletics program was elevated to NCAA Division I status. With that move, the College committed itself to upgrading its program and making all teams competitive.

After stops in the ECAC Metro and North Atlantic Conference, Siena moved to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), where it has made its mark.

Since its move to full Division I status, Siena Athletics has continued to grow. Three years ago, the program added women's water polo, giving it seven men's programs and 11 on the women's side.