Fall Semester Update from the Emmanuel College Athletic Department

To Members of the Emmanuel College Athletic Community,

Today, Emmanuel College President Sister Janet Eisner, SNDdeN provided the update below regarding Fall 2020 semester varsity athletics as part of the EmmanuelForward reopening plan. We know this is disappointing for student-athletes and coaches, but a necessary step in safeguarding the health of our athletes and college community.

The Athletic Department is committed to exploring ways to connect our student-athletes with one another in meaningful athletic-related activity. Additional information on these activities, many of which will likely need to be conducted virtually, will be shared in the coming weeks.

At this time, the start date for delayed winter sports, as well as spring sports is uncertain. Final decisions are based on many factors that the College continues to monitor as part of the EmmanuelForward plan. The Athletic Department recognizes that this announcement may generate some questions and we will answer what we are able to during this uncertain time.

Former UCLA men's basketball coaching legend John Wooden once said, "Adaptability is being able to adjust to any situation at any given time."

Saints, we must continue to adapt while keeping in mind the values that are essential to our Emmanuel community: empathy, respect, service, and concern for the common good.

SUBJECT: A Message from the President on Fall 2020 Semester Athletics

To Members of the Emmanuel College Community:

Yesterday, I announced the next steps in our EmmanuelForward planning efforts, a careful and measured return to on-campus living and learning at the College. Division III intercollegiate athletics is certainly an important part of our community and we have been in conversations with both the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) as well as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for many weeks to discuss the feasibility of Fall 2020 semester athletics.

Today, Emmanuel College is announcing that all athletic activities scheduled for the fall semester (through December 2020) will be cancelled. This decision impacts the full fall seasons for Men's and Women's Soccer, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Women's Volleyball, and Men's Golf, as well as the beginning of winter seasons for Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Indoor Track, and Men's Volleyball. Spring semester 2021 athletic activities will be determined at a later date.

This decision, while a difficult one to make, aligns with the College's priority of ensuring the health and well-being of the entire Emmanuel community. This was also not a decision taken lightly, coming after much consultation with industry leaders both locally and nationally, and taking into consideration our unique circumstances and location. The Athletics Department will be following up with student-athletes directly on this decision, as well as ways to safely engage in activities during the fall semester.

Sister Janet Eisner, SNDdeN
President