President Katherine A. Rowe

"To begin, this is such a tough day. We are talking about the academic and professional careers of 118 student-athletes and 13 coaches, and programs involving many devoted Tribe alumni. It is especially hard that the teams experience this at a moment of so much uncertainty and vulnerability. The Athletics Department worked diligently to find alternatives. In the end, financial realities made it necessary to sponsor fewer varsity sports. Once the decision was made, we wanted to move quickly to inform all those affected – because that gives them the most time possible and the most flexibility to consider their futures. We guarantee the scholarships of every affected student, through graduation. Our coaches will be able to remain on staff through the end of the academic year. That is the right thing to do for such outstanding and dedicated human beings. They are and will remain valued members of the William & Mary community."

Rector John E. Littel P'22 

"This was an incredibly difficult decision for the university. As we forecasted the long-term financial state of our athletics program, leadership was forced to make necessary but tough choices to ensure sustainability. The teams affected today include such impressive individuals – both current student-athletes and those alumni who preceded them. The full Board and I join President Rowe, Provost Agouris and Athletics Director Huge in thanking these student-athletes and coaches for their drive, dedication and resilience. We are deeply grateful to them for representing the Tribe so well – both on the playing field and off – throughout their time at William & Mary."

Director of Athletics Samantha K. Huge

"So many of us who work in intercollegiate athletics do so with a singular purpose: to impact the lives of our student-athletes. On most every other day, we are working tirelessly to enhance their experience at William & Mary, and that is why today is so difficult to know that our decision--while necessary--is devastating for our students. As a Department, we simply can no longer continue on an unsustainable financial trajectory. We will do everything that we can for the impacted student-athletes and coaches and I sincerely hope they are able to participate in one final season of competition. Today is a sad day for all of us who love William & Mary."

 
W. Taylor Reveley III, 27th President of William & Mary

"In recent decades, William & Mary has studied our varsity athletics program on a number of occasions.  Each study found the program severely constrained financially, operating in ways that could not be sustained indefinitely, without a major infusion of new funds.  Instead, the pandemic has intervened, wreaking financial havoc and forcing terribly hard decisions. Today is an enormously sad one for the university community. The Tribe greatly respects and honors the teams affected by these hard decisions, as well as the alumni who have given so much to help these teams in years past.  Their players and coaches will always have a firm hold on Tribe hearts."

 
Timothy J. Sullivan, 25th President of William & Mary (1992-2005)

"William & Mary has long prided itself on the manner in which our Tribe athletic teams represent the university. "The William & Mary Way," upholding the highest standards of academic excellence and integrity, is a beacon for American intercollegiate athletics. Thus, today's announcement brings real sadness for many. Nationwide, the challenges faced by university leaders demand decisions like this be made. Even amid the imperatives that drove the need for such action, we honor the thousands who have built "The William & Mary Way" while donning the Green and Gold, particularly those student-athletes we know will uphold that standard in the affected programs this year. You are among our very best, and William & Mary is with you, even now."

 
Todd Stottlemyer '85, former Rector of William & Mary (2013-2018)

"We've long known William & Mary's Athletics budget was stretched far too thin, inhibiting some student-athletes' experiences and our capacity to be more strategic in our approach as a university. As an athlete whose college career was cut short by injury and parent who has seen my own children transition as athletes, my heart goes out to everyone affected by today's decision. You will endure and, if you choose, the university will be with you all the way to your degree – just as it was for me."

 
Kendrick Ashton '98, Board of Visitors (2012-2016) W&M Foundation (2006-2012)

"William & Mary's academic prestige and rigor coupled with the opportunity to become a part of a storied Division 1 football program first drew me to the university. As an engaged alumnus, it became increasingly clear how challenging it is to provide a championship caliber athletic experience with relatively modest means, especially as we try to increase W&M Athletics' strategic impact for the university. But knowing and understanding the challenges doesn't ease the pain and disappointment of today's news. The affected student-athletes, coaches and alumni are part of our Tribe, our family and, of course, always will be. We all have a duty to rally around them as they work to navigate these very difficult changes."

 
Audra Mallow'90 W&M Foundation (2011-2020)

"Swimming helped to shape my William & Mary experience by creating exciting and challenging opportunities as well as enduring friendships. While I understand the frustration of the current William & Mary swimmers and other student-athletes whose varsity programs have been eliminated, I want them to take heart. A collegiate athletic experience, whether varsity or club, delivers the lessons of teamwork, competition, sportsmanship and more, that will position them for bright futures in life and in sport.  We are one Tribe and one family across the university and I remain supportive of each and every member. I will always support William & Mary in its traditions and in its evolution.  Go Tribe!"