Lasell Announces Decision for Fall Athletics Competition

After carefully considering NCAA Return-to-Play guidelines, state and local regulations and recommendations from the COVID 19 Task Force, unfortunately, we have decided that the University's fall teams (men's and women's soccer, men's and women's cross country, women's volleyball and field hockey) will not compete in intercollegiate athletics during the Fall 2020 season. We have made this incredibly difficult decision based on concerns regarding the health and safety of our athletes, our ability to safely host visiting teams and challenges regarding travel to other campuses. This decision is also in line with announcements that other conferences, regional opponents and GNAC institutions have made and are currently making. 

This decision will be re-evaluated throughout the fall semester to see if it will be possible for the fall sports to compete, in some capacity in the spring.  We will remain in contact with our student-athletes regarding any updated information.

No decision has been made regarding winter or spring sports at this time but winter sports teams (men's and women's indoor track & field and men's and women's basketball) will not be competing during the fall segment of their season.  

We recognize how disappointing this decision is and the impact it has on all of you, our student-athletes. We know that athletic participation is an important component of your experience at Lasell and we share in this disappointment. We know too, that this is especially hard news to hear for our senior student athletes. According to updated NCAA rules, any fall athlete who practices but does not compete, will not lose a year or semester of NCAA eligibility.

For students returning to campus, we are anticipating that there will be significant opportunities for coaches to provide meaningful athletic experiences for all (fall, winter and spring) student-athletes at Lasell this semester. In accordance with all necessary guidelines, our coaches are developing conditioning sessions, small group activities, leadership programming and practice opportunities that will allow student-athletes to work together with their teammates, coaches and athletic training staff in some capacity.

To be eligible to participate in any on-campus activities, you must be a resident or commuter student and you must complete all of the necessary required medical forms. We are planning that along with in-person opportunities, virtual activities will also be offered during the fall for all student-athletes. 

We will continue to update information as we have it and we welcome your questions. Please feel free to reach out to your coach or send any us an email at kwalter@lasell.edu with any additional questions. We invite you to join us Monday, July 20th at 7:00 p.m. via zoom for a discussion to address any additional questions you may have.  Student-athletes should reach out to their coach for the zoom link.

We also encourage you to visit Lasell's Fall 2020 Plan and main COVID-19 Information page for updates directly from the University.

Again, this is an extremely disappointing outcome for everyone involved and we look forward to when all Lasers can return to full competition.   

Sincerely,

Michael Alexander, President

Kristy Walter, Director of Athletics