ROHNERT PARK, Calif. (March 7, 2025) — With no sports on the horizon for Sonoma State, the university’s athletic community faces an uncertain future. The recent conclusion of the women’s basketball season marks what could be the final competition for an indefinite period as budget constraints and program cuts loom over the school’s athletic department.
Before the shutdown, the Sonoma State women’s basketball team delivered a memorable postseason performance. The Seawolves entered the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) tournament as the fifth seed, facing off against fourth-seeded Cal State San Bernardino in the quarterfinals. The matchup proved to be a hard-fought battle, but Sonoma State prevailed with a dramatic 78-71 victory, thanks to clutch performances in the game’s final minutes.
Meredith Gilbertson provided a crucial momentum shift when she knocked down a huge corner three-pointer with 1:53 left in the fourth quarter, giving Sonoma State a late boost. With just 48 seconds remaining, Eryn Gardner calmly sank two crucial free throws, extending the lead. However, CSUSB refused to go quietly, as Terryn Ross answered with a three-pointer to cut the deficit to just one with 34 seconds left, keeping the pressure on the Seawolves.
Despite the tense final moments, Sonoma State remained composed. Sienna Cherwinski stepped up to the free-throw line and delivered under pressure, hitting four straight free throws in the final minute to secure the win. The victory ensured that Sonoma State would advance to the semifinals and kept their season alive for at least one more game.
Following the win, senior Jayme Blackard expressed confidence in her teammates’ ability to perform in high-pressure situations. “They’re built for moments like this. I believed in them, they believed in themselves, everyone on the bench believed in them,” she said after the game.
However, the Seawolves’ postseason run came to an end in the semifinals, where they faced the tournament’s top seed, Cal State Dominguez Hills. Despite a valiant effort, Sonoma State struggled against Dominguez Hills’ suffocating defense and ultimately fell 56-45. The loss officially ended their season and with the current uncertainty surrounding Sonoma State athletics, it could be the program’s final game for the foreseeable future.
While the basketball season has concluded, the bigger concern is the future of Sonoma State athletics as a whole. With budget constraints threatening the continuation of sports programs, student-athletes, coaches and fans are left in a state of limbo. The administration has yet to announce a concrete plan for the future, leaving many wondering if and when sports will return.
The absence of athletics would not only impact student-athletes but also campus life and community engagement. For many, sports serve as a vital part of the college experience, fostering school spirit and unity. The loss of these programs could have long-lasting effects on student involvement and university culture.
For now, Sonoma State athletes will have to find ways to stay engaged with their sports outside of competition. Whether through independent training, club-level activities, or advocacy for reinstating athletics, they remain hopeful their time in a Seawolves uniform is not over for good. Until a resolution is reached, the future of Sonoma State athletics remains uncertain.
