SEATTLE – (Nov. 14) As part of a strategic repositioning, Seattle University Athletics announced today that it will discontinue three sport programs – men's and women's indoor track & field and men's tennis – at the conclusion of the 2024-25 championship season.
Along with the discontinuation of the three sport programs, sprints, jumps and throws in outdoor track will be phased out as student athletes who compete in these events exhaust their eligibility. The men's and women's cross country and outdoor track programs will continue, as will women's tennis.
In a letter shared with the university community, President Eduardo Peñalver and Vice President for Athletics Shaney Fink wrote: "This year of transition has been marked by thoughtful reflection and difficult choices. Amid the ongoing changes in the intercollegiate sports landscape, as well as our commitment to strategically align resources with our greatest priorities, SU Athletics has conducted a comprehensive review to ensure we are best positioned to support our student athletes and sustain competitive excellence for years to come.
"We want to emphasize our concern for the student athletes affected by these changes. Their dedication, grace, and integrity have brought pride to our university, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions. We intend to provide individualized support to help those affected navigate this transition, whether they choose to continue their athletic careers elsewhere or remain at Seattle University."
This decision reduces Seattle U's offerings to 17 sports programs, 13 of which will compete in the West Coast Conference beginning with the 2025-26 season. The WCC does not sponsor outdoor track or swimming. Beginning with the 2025-26 season, men's and women's swimming will compete in the Big West Conference.
Follow Along With the Action
Stay connected with Seattle U athletics and get all the latest team updates by downloading the GoSeattleU mobile app available now for free in the App Store or Google Play.
Along with the discontinuation of the three sport programs, sprints, jumps and throws in outdoor track will be phased out as student athletes who compete in these events exhaust their eligibility. The men's and women's cross country and outdoor track programs will continue, as will women's tennis.
In a letter shared with the university community, President Eduardo Peñalver and Vice President for Athletics Shaney Fink wrote: "This year of transition has been marked by thoughtful reflection and difficult choices. Amid the ongoing changes in the intercollegiate sports landscape, as well as our commitment to strategically align resources with our greatest priorities, SU Athletics has conducted a comprehensive review to ensure we are best positioned to support our student athletes and sustain competitive excellence for years to come.
"We want to emphasize our concern for the student athletes affected by these changes. Their dedication, grace, and integrity have brought pride to our university, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions. We intend to provide individualized support to help those affected navigate this transition, whether they choose to continue their athletic careers elsewhere or remain at Seattle University."
This decision reduces Seattle U's offerings to 17 sports programs, 13 of which will compete in the West Coast Conference beginning with the 2025-26 season. The WCC does not sponsor outdoor track or swimming. Beginning with the 2025-26 season, men's and women's swimming will compete in the Big West Conference.
Follow Along With the Action
Stay connected with Seattle U athletics and get all the latest team updates by downloading the GoSeattleU mobile app available now for free in the App Store or Google Play.