IRVINE, Calif. – The Big West Conference Board of Directors announced today that Big West fall sport competition will not be conducted in 2020-21.
 
The decision of the Board to not conduct men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer and women's indoor volleyball for the 2020-21 academic year came after extended consideration of the ongoing health and safety challenges affecting Big West campuses and communities, and the significant resources required to properly safeguard the health and well-being of all student-athletes. This decision does not impact fall sports unaffiliated with the Big West Conference.
 
"Protecting the health and safety of our student-athletes and following public health guidelines are our top priorities," Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly said. "Despite a strong desire to return our fall sport student-athletes to competition, the Board unanimously agreed that the resources and protocols needed to safely and equitably conduct fall, winter and spring sports seasons concurrently was not in line with those priorities nor in the best interests of our student-athletes and coaches."
 
"This was a difficult decision, particularly in light of the significant sacrifices our staff, coaches, student-athletes and their families have already made in the interest of public health," said Chair of the Big West Board of Directors and University of California, Irvine Chancellor Howard Gillman. "While this decision is disappointing for many, the health and safety of Big West student-athletes, coaches, staff and the campus community continue to be the preeminent priorities for the CEO's of the conference's 11 institutions."
 
The Board also acknowledged it will continue to monitor and evaluate the current program of COVID-19 medical and safety protocols in men's and women's basketball. Basketball will guide a decision regarding a safe return to competition for Big West spring sports. That decision is expected by late January 2021.
 
As medical and scientific data rapidly evolves surrounding the pandemic, the conference will continue to monitor developments and will consider additional actions as needed.

"As painful as it is, we understand the Big West Conference's decision to cancel fall sports for the 2020-21 school year. We empathize with our student-athletes and coaches first and foremost as they have worked diligently to prepare for a spring season. We also feel bad for our fans and appreciate their loyalty to the UH Athletics program. That said, we will move forward with providing service and support to all of our student-athletes and navigate through this pandemic." – David Matlin, Athletics Director
 
"We are obviously disappointed there won't be a season. Since we started practicing six weeks ago we've been very honest with the girls, that nothing is set in stone. We would have loved to bring back some excitement to the islands with Wahine Volleyball but we all know that with this pandemic there is a lot of uncertainty. We're thankful to our administration as well as facilities and medical staff for doing their best and working hard to keep us all safe and healthy. Looking forward to next season. Go 'Bows!!! – Robyn Ah Mow, Women's Volleyball Coach
 
"While disappointed that we'll not have the opportunity to compete in cross country this academic year, we respect the decision and appreciate the fact that it was even considered for next semester. We're most sad for our graduating seniors who won't have another chance to represent the University of Hawai'i in cross country. Our runners will move towards preparation for the upcoming track and field season and the possibilities that still remain. We want to encourage everyone to be vigilant about all of the suggested health precautions so we can all be present and healthy for future seasons." – Tim Boyce, Cross Country Coach
 
"While we are disappointed and saddened by this news, my staff, team and I understand and support the decision of the Big West Conference. I think it's important to note that this decision was not made hastily nor callously. Many different factors were taken into consideration. We are looking forward to that day in the fall of 2021 where we can play in front of our fans again!" – Michele Nagamine, Women's Soccer Coach