Virginia-based NCAA Division I programs cancel fall soccer competition

A pair of Virginia universities, Old Dominion and James Madison, have announced the postponement of their entire fall soccer campaigns. The athletic departments of both schools have indicated they will aim to play their fall sports seasons in the spring of 2021.

Other in-state Division I institutions such as VCU, Richmond, George Mason, William and Mary, Norfolk State and Hampton have already announced they will not play in the fall.

Old Dominion is a member of Conference USA for both men’s and women’s soccer. Their teams had already begun preparations for the season. ODU women’s soccer coach Angie Hind had this to say on the decision made by university president, John R. Broderick:

“He asked me if I think we’re doing the right thing. He wanted to know how the athletes feel. I know that doesn’t happen everywhere. I talked to some of my colleagues at other schools who said they’ve been left in the dark. The President made the right decision, and I think it’s outstanding that we all had a say.”

James Madison’s soccer teams compete in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). JMU’s suspension was made in coordination with other CAA institutions that were previously still pursuing fall competition: College of Charleston, Elon and UNCW.

To read the full statement released by JMU, Click Here.

To read the full statement released by ODU, Click Here.