March 19, 2020

Seawolves,

Yesterday, we joined our fellow California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) institutions in making the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the 2019-2020 season. Additionally, the Pacific West Conference (PacWest) and the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) have announced similar decisions in the past few days. While heartbreaking for all of us, please know that this decision was made in the best interest of our student-athletes.

Our spring sports were having a remarkable season leading up to this abrupt end. It is tough not knowing how this year's softball season would have played out, ending the season on a 12-game winning streak. Or, if our women's water polo program would have earned a spot in the Top 25 national ranking if the season would have lasted another week. Would our men's and women's golf program or men's tennis program been able to earn bids again this year to their respective NCAA championships? And, of course, would the baseball, women's tennis, and women's track and field teams have shown us that Sonoma State grit and shock everyone in their respective conference championships? We may never know the answers to these questions, but we will always remember the talent that you brought to the field and in the classroom this year.

We are especially mindful of how difficult this announcement is for our seniors and those exhausting eligibility this season. They have had an amazing career here at Sonoma State and we are sad that we won't be able to celebrate their many accomplishments at a traditional Senior Day celebration. The Sonoma State community is resilient, and our student-athletes are no exception. Athlete identity is an important trait for student-athletes, and the loss of this identity oftentimes brings many challenges, typically after graduation. Our Seniors have had to address this more often than the average student-athlete, and in this case, earlier than anticipated. These lived experiences and the ability to thrive in difficult times will only help you in life after college.

You probably have several questions about how the cancellation of the season affects your eligibility. The university is working closely with the NCAA and CCAA during this unique and challenging time of uncertainty. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has released an FAQ guide for our student-athletes, which is designed to provide you with regular updates and answers to your questions. For other campus-related COVID-19 information, visit the university's COVID-19 website.  

We appreciate your patience and understanding.  Please remain safe and focus on a strong finish to the semester.  Go Seawolves!

Stan Nosek, Co-Interim Director of Athletics
Larry Swanson, Co-Interim Director of Athletics
(Sport Supervisor:  Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball)

Jared Chasey, Deputy Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
(Sport Supervisor:  Women's Cross Country, Men's Tennis, Women's Tennis, Women's Track & Field)


Nicole Annaloro, PhD, Senior Associate Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
(Sport Supervisor:  Women's Soccer, Women's Water Polo, Women's Volleyball)

David Rhoades, Senior Associate Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
(Sport Supervisor:  Baseball, Men's Golf, Women's Golf, Men's Soccer, Softball)

CC:  All Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Personnel