Discontinuing Swimming/Golf FAQ

WINONA, Minn . — Saint Mary's University of Minnesota announced Tuesday, Dec. 3, that it will no longer offer men's and women's golf and men's and women's swimming, beginning with the 2020-21 academic year. 

"This was a very difficult decision to make and one that we considered quite seriously," said Saint Mary's Athletics Director Brian Sisson. "I am – we all are – so proud of the sportsmanship, passion, and dedication our student-athletes in those sports have demonstrated. They have committed to excellence both in their sports and their academics." 

Sisson explained that the decision was made after completing a benefit, cost, and competitive analysis. These four sports have some of the smallest rosters among all Saint Mary's sports: five members in women's golf, 10 in men's golf, nine in women's swimming, and five in men's swimming. Yet there are significant costs associated with fielding programs of high quality with competitive facilities. 

Sisson said the move will allow the university to better focus athletic resources on the remaining 17 varsity sports: baseball; softball; men's and women's basketball; men's and women's cross country; men's and women's hockey; men's and women's soccer; men's and women's tennis; men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field; and women's volleyball. Overall, 341 student-athletes compete on these teams, 31% of Saint Mary's undergraduate student body.

"We are working with students currently playing these sports to determine their options and talk about next steps," Sisson said. "Our students and the impact this decision has on them is our focus right now. We're also grateful to the coaches – Amber Lowe, Steven Randgaard, and Paul Pehler – who have shown so much dedication in leading these teams. And we will continue to celebrate the successful athletes we've seen compete in these sports."