PHILADELPHIA – The Saint Joseph's Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that more than two dozen senior spring-season student-athletes are planning to return for an extra season of eligibility in 2020-21.
The extra season of eligibility became possible for current seniors competing in spring sports after the Division I Council allowed season-of-competition waivers for those whose seasons were abruptly cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I am delighted that Saint Joseph's will welcome so many seniors back to Hawk Hill," Director of Athletics Jill Bodensteiner said. "The class of 2020 is full of exceptional men and women, many of whom will now take advantage of the opportunity to chase their dreams and have appropriate closure to their athletic careers. I'm also very excited to have outstanding student leadership to help guide us through what will be an unusual year in higher education."
Student-athletes from the Hawks' baseball, lacrosse, rowing, softball, tennis, and track and field programs intend to take advantage of the waiver after the NCAA canceled all remaining championships and Saint Joseph's canceled spring competition on March 12.
Spring-season student-athletes at Saint Joseph's who had an interest in returning for an extra season had comprehensive conversations with their head coach and with a staff member from the Office of Educational Support Services for Student-Athletes to determine a meaningful academic plan that would add value to their personal or professional development. At this time, approximately 30 student-athletes have decided to return for the academic year and will receive athletic aid to assist with the cost of the academic program chosen. The athletic aid for the returning seniors will be accommodated through the existing athletics financial aid budget for 2020-21.
"As happy as I am with the outcome, I am equally pleased with the process," Bodensteiner said. "This was a true collaborative effort between the University's academic leadership, the Office of Educational Support Services for Student-Athletes, athletics compliance, enrollment and financial aid, and other campus partners. I am particularly proud of our coaches, who were simply outstanding to work with throughout the process. Finally, our student-athletes continue to amaze me; their resilience and selflessness during this entire spring semester were an inspiration."
Several returning senior student-athletes will be sharing their decisions and stories in the coming days and weeks as they confirm their plans for 2020-21.
