Athletics Updates

Dear Seattle University Community,

We are writing to share significant updates regarding Seattle University Athletics, including the difficult decision to discontinue three sport programs. This decision is part of a strategic repositioning of Athletics as we prepare to rejoin the West Coast Conference (WCC) on July 1, 2025—just over seven months from now.

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. This review has led us to the following:

• Restructuring of the Track and Field program: Following the 2024-25 competitive season, men’s and women’s indoor track and field programs will be discontinued. While we will continue to compete in men’s & women’s outdoor track & field, the focus will be on competing in distance events (400M and longer) for outdoor track. We will phase out sprints, jumps, and throws in outdoor track, supporting current student athletes who compete in these events through to graduation. The men’s and women’s cross country programs will continue.
  
  
• Discontinuation of Men’s Tennis: Following the 2024-25 season, we will no longer compete in men’s tennis. Most current team members are seniors, enabling them to complete their final year of competition at Seattle University. The women’s tennis program will continue.
  
  
• Joining the Big West Conference for Swimming: Beginning with the 2025-26 season, men’s and women’s swimming programs will compete in the Big West Conference, as the WCC does not sponsor this sport.

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.

We also recognize the importance of preserving the legacy of these programs. We will honor their history by celebrating individual and team accomplishments on campus and through our Athletics website, ensuring their achievements remain a proud part of Seattle University’s story.

These decisions were made with immense care and an unwavering commitment to the long-term success of our student athletes and Athletics program. We thank you for your understanding, compassion, and continued support as we move forward together.

With gratitude,

Eduardo M. Peñalver
President

Shaney Fink
Vice President for Athletics