St. Edward’s University announced on Wednesday that it will discontinue six athletic programs in the wake of the coronavirus impact. The private, Catholic school in Austin, Texas, cut men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s tennis, and men’s soccer. Cheer will be transitioned to a club team.
“Never in a million years did I think I would be at a successful, well-respected, top-performing program and the whole thing is just canceled,” said head men’s coach Chris Hill, who took over the program in 2018. “It just cuts to the core. … I’m really hurting for my players. We were making huge strides toward an NCAA title and it’s gone. These guys put their all in and just got handed raw deal through no fault of their own.”
Both the men’s and women’s golf teams were ranked inside the top 25 in the nation. Women’s coach Jennifer McNeil has been at the helm since 2003 and was named NCGA DII National Coach of the Year in 2011. McNeil guided her team to 15 consecutive NCAA West Regional appearances.
Debbie Taylor, associate vice president for athletics, delivered the news in an email to athletes.
“As the impacts of the coronavirus continue to affect our personal lives and every sector of the economy,” wrote Taylor, “St. Edward’s must make difficult but financially sound decisions for the future of our institution.”
Taylor called the decision gut-wrenching.
Athletes who choose to stay on at St. Edward’s to finish their degrees will continue to receive their current athletic scholarship. Those who wish to transfer will be granted a full release and their names will be added to the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Taylor requested that athletes let the school know of their future plans by July 1.
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