Why are we here?
What happened?
If you haven’t seen the news, the administrators of our beloved Sonoma State University are trying to discontinue the entire athletics program to save money. That’s right, they’re trying to terminate all sports at Sonoma State! And once you pull out of NCAA sports, there is no going back. The decision will be permanent.
Why does this matter?
Sports are not all about money. College athletics at small schools are just as vital to the well being of the institution as major universities. This decision completely ignores the profound impacts that athletics have on the student-athletes, the student body, and the college itself, and sets a dangerous precedent putting all small-school athletics across the country in jeopardy. We may not be the biggest school, but we have outsized heart and commitment. College sports are more than just dollar signs.
Further, the President's email to the entire student body announcing the abrupt discontinuation of all athletics, stated that it would save the school $3.7 million. But there has been no financial documentation to back that up, and we do not believe it is accurate. We believe this figures substantially overstates the alleged financial savings. When all relevant data is included - such as the student fees specifically designated for sports, the alumni support and donations, and student enrollment among other things, we believe that Sonoma State athletics is actually a net financial positive for the school. Critically, the decision was made without any input from the relevant stakeholders or without any window for discussion or potential solutions. We thus want to see the financial underpinnings of the decision, which have so far been hidden from everyone.
Decision made in secret without any stakeholder engagement
The Sonoma State administration made the decision behind closed doors, without any input from the students, athletic leadership, or broader community. And it appears they made the decision as early as October or November of 2024, but kept it hidden for months, allowing everyone to continue paying tuition and preparing for the next semester as though nothing were changing. It wasn’t until January 22, 2025, that the student athletes and athletic leadership (who are all losing their jobs!) were informed through a letter, telling them that Sonoma State would no longer have any sports. Period.
How can you help?
1. Spread the word, and tag your favorite Sonoma State sports photos and memories on all your social media with the hashtag #SaveSeawolvesAthletics. You can also join our FB Group here.
2. Call and write to all the administrators who have the power to save Sonoma athletics. We have a template letter , and a list of contacts on our Who to Contact page. If enough people tell them how we feel, they will have to listen.
3. Call and write your California Representatives. They can help us in this fight. A list of contacts is Who to Contact.
4. Speak out at the CSU board of trustees meeting which takes place next Tuesday, January 28, 2025. This is when they will be discussing this drastic proposal to end all Sonoma sports. You can register to speak or write in Here (Deadline to Register is Monday Jan 27 at NOON).
5. Sign the change.org petition.
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Please join us in demanding SSU and the CSU Trustees reverse their decison
#saveseawolvesathletics