DAVIS, Calif. — After a thorough review, the UC Davis men's water polo team will opt out of competition for the 2020-21 school year, interim director of athletics
Rocko DeLuca announced on Wednesday.
"This decision was difficult to make, and we know how heavy an impact this will have on our student-athletes, coaches, and our supportive community but, ultimately, our highest priority is our commitment to the safety and well-being of our student-athletes," DeLuca said. "Following numerous consultations with the coaching staff, we acknowledge the frustration and disappointment this decision brings, but it's one that was necessary to safeguard the health of student-athletes, coaches, and staff."
In August, the NCAA announced that it would reschedule fall sport championships to the spring, with the first possible date of water polo competition scheduled for Jan. 16. The NCAA has approved a waiver granting all Division I fall sports student-athletes an additional year of eligibility and an additional year to complete it.
"Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to pull out of the winter 2021 season," Child And Meisel Families Director of Men's Water Polo
Daniel Leyson said. "This decision was based on a number of factors. However, the health and well-being of all of our student-athletes is always at the forefront of our discussions.
"Instead of continuing to put it off, we decided it was better to withdraw and begin to focus on a regular fall season in 2021. My heart breaks for the seniors who gave everything they had to be able to play one more season."
UC Davis will honor all existing scholarships and provide necessary support services to help student-athletes cope with this unfortunate situation. The team will continue to receive support from Student-Athlete Outcomes staff to maintain academic progress.
ABOUT UC DAVIS
Over 700 student-athletes across 25 intercollegiate athletics teams, following the addition of equestrian and women's beach volleyball in 2018, represent the fifth-ranked public school in the nation.
Centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley, UC Davis is known nationwide as a leader in Title IX gender equity and leadership, ranks annually in the top 10 in diversity and students' social mobility and offers an unrivaled student-athlete experience that features the ideal combination of elite academics, Division I athletics and personal growth.
UC Davis is uncommonly committed to preparing student-athletes for life after graduation with Aggie EVO — an innovative student-athlete outcomes program that helps young women and men develop passions, gain real-world experience, and enjoy a successful launch to full-time employment or graduate school. Through Aggie EVO, Intercollegiate Athletics provides unmatched resources and a vast network of working professionals to ensure post-graduation success for its student-athletes.
