DAVIS, Calif. — In alignment with current Yolo County health orders, UC Davis gymnastics will not compete during the 2021 season, as announced by interim director of athletics Rocko DeLuca on Tuesday.
"Student-athletes' safety, health and well-being are the department's top priorities," said DeLuca. "I understand and share the disappointment felt by our student-athletes, coaches and fans, this decision was a necessary one since the team was unable to train and prepare in recent weeks for the physical rigors faced during competition."
"It's a complex situation with many layers of decisions to factor in. We've come to a point in time where we had to make a decision, and it's the best one we could make right now," said John Lavallee, now in his 15th year at the Aggie helm. "Obviously, we are not going to slow down our progress. As soon as we can, we will get back in the gym and get back to work."
In early October, the NCAA Division I Council adopted legislation to extend the eligibility of student-athletes that compete in winter sports; gymnastics student-athletes will received an additional season of eligibility and an extra year to complete it.
"We want to thank all of our fans and donors, and we hope they can stay safe during these difficult times," Lavallee added. "UC Davis will continue to move forward and prepare for 2022 with the same drive and determination to reach new heights. We certainly wish everyone around the country the best of luck for the 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:
With the addition of equestrian and women's beach volleyball in 2018, more than 700 student-athletes represent the fifth-ranked public school in the nation on one of 25 intercollegiate athletics teams.
UC Davis, a national leader in Title IX gender equity and leadership, is centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley; and offers an unrivaled student-athlete experience that features the ideal combination of elite academics, Division I athletics and personal growth.
Ranked annually in the top 10 in diversity and students' social mobility, 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.
