Sonoma State University could be getting athletics back sooner rather than later after months of conversations about the future of Division II sports on campus.
During a recent interview on student-run radio station KSUN Radio, Sonoma State President Michael E. Spagna said the university is seriously working toward creating a plan that could bring sports back while still protecting academics and avoiding higher student fees.
“One of the first things I had to do in coming to the university is getting into the issue of whether or not we could reinstate athletics,” Spagna said. “Athletics is so important for the university culture and the community culture.”
Spagna said sports are important because they help bring students and the community together. He compared athletic events to performances at the Green Music Center, saying both create shared experiences for people on campus.
“I’m taking a very serious effort to see if we can reinstate Division II athletics here at Sonoma State University,” Spagna said.
According to Spagna, the university has already created a fiscal feasibility team that is looking into how athletics can return in a way that is financially sustainable long term. He said the university wants to make sure bringing back sports does not hurt academic programs or put more financial pressure on students.
“We want athletics to succeed at Sonoma State, but it can’t be at the expense of our academic programming,” Spagna said. “We also do not want to bring back athletics if it’s on the backs of students and increasing their fees.”
Spagna said the feasibility team is expected to give recommendations by June 15. After reviewing those recommendations, he plans to make a final decision by June 30. He also mentioned that July 29 is an important deadline because Sonoma State would need to officially declare its intention to return to Division II competition in the California Collegiate Athletic Association by then.
New interim athletics director Joan McDermott said she has been working closely with the feasibility committee and shares the same goal of bringing athletics back the right way.
