As a former Sonoma State University soccer player, bringing sports back would mean more than just games returning to campus. It would restore the school spirit and campus life that Sonoma has been missing since athletics were cut in spring 2025.
When I arrived as a freshman in fall 2022, the campus felt alive. There were more students around at all times, and games regularly drew crowds that created a strong sense of pride and unity in being a Seawolf. Recently, that energy has faded. Campus feels quieter and less connected, and the absence of athletics has played a major role in that shift.
Sports are about more than wins and losses. They create relationships that can last a lifetime. As athletes, you spend countless hours with your teammates throughout the years, whether it is at practices, on road trips, and through both victories and setbacks. Those shared experiences build bonds that don’t disappear when a season ends or after graduation. I still keep in touch with teammates from my freshman year because those connections remain strong.
Athletics also helped me connect with non-athletes. Students who came out to support games became part of that community as well. That’s what makes college sports special. They bring together people from different backgrounds, whether they’re competing on the field or cheering from the stands.
Sports give the entire campus something to rally around. Even students who aren’t athletes can feel connected by attending games, wearing school gear and supporting their peers. It builds a sense of unity and pride. It also encourages students to stay on campus longer, giving them something to look forward to beyond classes.
Bringing sports back could also help boost enrollment. Athletics provide another reason for prospective students to consider Sonoma State. A campus with active sports programs feels more vibrant and engaging, which is something students look for when deciding where they belong.
Sonoma State needs that energy again. Bringing back athletics won’t solve every issue, but it would be a meaningful step toward rebuilding school spirit, pride and community.
