Office of the President Header

December 15, 2020

Dear Stonehill Community,

I write to share that the College has made the very difficult decision to cancel Stonehill’s winter athletic season. Each decision we make in this challenging year must be based solely on what is best for the health and safety of our students, our staff, and our community. After consultation with our peers in the Northeast-10 Conference, our experts on COVID-19, and our athletic department, it became clear that a winter athletic season poses too much risk right now, as the virus pandemic surges across the Commonwealth and the country.

Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s Ice Hockey, Women’s Swimming, and Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field competition all require group travel, significant interaction with individuals outside of Stonehill, and take place indoors, a combination that increases the risk of virus transmission during the winter months. As a Skyhawk fan, I know how much the winter season means to our students, staff, and our coaches—and especially to the dedicated men and women who give so much to play these sports. I am deeply sorry that we will miss this year’s season and the joy and sense of community the games bring to our campus.

I remain hopeful that we will return to athletic competition later in the spring semester when this surge has passed and when sports can be played in a safe environment.

I am grateful for the success the College experienced throughout the fall semester in dealing with the pandemic. Such an outcome is a tribute to the hard work of our faculty and staff, to the patience and resolve of our students, and to all of you who have been so careful and responsible in following our health and public safety protocols. You have taken care of one other in this difficult time, which has allowed us to hold classes in person and maintain a sense of community on campus and with our peers working and studying remotely.

Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made to keep our community safe and for your ongoing support of our student-athletes.

Sincerely,

Fr. John signature
(Rev.) John Denning, C.S.C.
President