UMass Dartmouth has reversed course on his plan to cut the women’s swimming and diving team, reinstating it along with women’s tennis.
The school last July announced it would cut eight of its 25 varsity programs: women’s equestrian, men’s golf, men’s lacrosse, co-ed sailing, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and men’s and women’s tennis. Following a review, they have decided to reinstate women’s swimming and diving and women’s tennis. Despite the reprieve for the women, the men’s swimming and diving program will still be discontinued.
Tuesday release cites, “changing demographics within the UMass Dartmouth student population.” It lists the reinstatement of the two programs as “the first of several anticipated changes as part of an overall strategy to better align athletic participation opportunities for women with the female undergraduate population.”
“We will move quickly over the next week to meet with student-athletes and staff to ensure our intent is clear,” athletic director Amanda Van Voorhis said in the university statement. “Our commitment to enhance the quality and increase the number participating in our tennis and swimming/diving programs is a priority.”
The university said it is working with students and staffs to provide adequate resources, including scheduling for 2021, which they would be behind schedule on. They are also working “to address coaching needs to ensure student-athletes in these programs have the necessary level of support.”
“Providing opportunities for student-athletes is always a priority,” said David Gingerella, Vice Chancellor for Administration & Finance. “The University is committed to making this transition as smooth as possible and commit the necessary resources to allow our students to succeed both on and off the playing field.”