SWARTHMORE, Pa.--The fall semester's seasons for Swarthmore College's varsity and club teams have been suspended following the announcement issued by President Valerie Smith on Tuesday evening. This fall, first-years, sophomores, incoming transfer students, and resident assistants may return to campus, as well as students whose abilities to learn remotely are severely challenged by various circumstances may also apply to return to campus.

The value of athletics participation and its impact on community cannot be overstated, providing opportunities for collaboration across campus and institutional pride and energy that cannot be replicated in other forums. Athletics and physical education play a significant role in maintaining and strengthening the well-being of our community members; we are designing robust offerings for the upcoming academic year to support our community's physical and mental health.

Unfortunately, all of the measures we're putting in place to keep our community members safe — strict physical distancing and masking policies, limits on the number of students returning to campus, severely restricted college travel, etc. — will prohibit our participation in intercollegiate athletic competition for the fall semester. We support that decision and our coaches are developing meaningful and creative ways to engage with members of their teams during the course of the fall semester.  

We will continue to work with our Centennial Conference peers on a plan for winter and spring sports and will provide answers related to NCAA eligibility once they are announced.

In this time of global uncertainty, we appreciate your patience and support as we try to determine the best and safest path forward.

Go Garnet!