Syracuse University Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross announced that the University will field an intercollegiate women's ice hockey team beginning in 2008-09, and the men's and women's swimming and diving teams will compete in their final season in 2007-08.
A search for a head coach for the women's ice hockey team will begin this summer. The Athletics Department is exploring venue options for practice and games. In addition, discussions have already begun with hockey conferences regarding membership for 2008-09.
"This was a very difficult decision and one that was made only after extensive thought, consideration and research," Gross said. "It was reached as part of the Athletics Department's long-term strategic planning, which seeks to maximize limited resources in a way that provides the best opportunity for our student-athletes.
"We welcome the opportunity to field a women's ice hockey team. It provides the potential for an outstanding student-athlete experience, and success is limitless given the area of the country we live in, the facility we have on campus, and the popularity of the sport. Women's ice hockey gives us a significant opportunity to compete at a national level, especially given the talent in Upstate New York and surrounding areas.
"The elimination of men's and women's swimming and diving was a very, very difficult decision. This decision was made after extensive research for our long-term planning and student-athlete welfare. Identified during the analysis was the extreme cost associated with upgrading outdated facilities.
"I want to personally thank the student-athletes for their commitment and dedication to our Swimming and Diving program and Syracuse Athletics. I also want to acknowledge and thank head coach Lou Walker and all of our swimming and diving coaching staff for their years of loyal service to the University, the Athletics Department and the swimming and diving program. We will certainly assist them during this transition as they pursue future endeavors and opportunities."
During this time of transition, the University will continue to provide and renew athletics financial aid to current participants and prospective student-athletes who have signed a financial aid agreement in the men's and women's swimming and diving program, in accordance with NCAA rules, for the duration of their athletics eligibility and attendance at Syracuse University. The Athletics Department will also assist student-athletes who wish to transfer to another institution to continue their academic and athletic careers.
The Athletics Department's research also concluded that the University's commitment to Title IX and gender equity could be enhanced by restructuring the current sport programs. Syracuse University added three women's teams from 1996 to 2000 and has a history and continuing practice of program expansion for women. Women's overall opportunities will increase with the addition of ice hockey. To ensure long-term compliance with Title IX, Syracuse University will provide participation opportunities for women and men that are proportionate to their respective enrollments in the 2008-09 academic year.
The Athletics Department's evaluation and research during this process have been extensive. The Syracuse University Athletics Department believes these programmatic changes provide the best opportunity for the long range success of the intercollegiate athletics program.