Investments and changes to the athletics program

The College has been studying our holistic approach to athletics and physical education for several years, and has committed to increasing competitiveness with an appropriately sized varsity sports program that aligns with both the College’s goals and requirements of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) and other conferences in which MHC participates. The changes to be implemented will enhance the student-athlete experience on- and off-campus, increase coaching staff, revitalize physical infrastructure and boost external recruitment strategies — all in service to improving the overall competitiveness of our teams and supporting our growing club and wellness programs.

Each investment is made possible through significant donor support, reallocation of operating funds within the athletics department and/or support from the College’s capital renewal allocation. These investments include:

• Launching a $6M redesign and renovation of the Kendall Complex gym and locker rooms. The goals of this redesign include addressing accessibility issues in a space that is widely used for academic and athletic purposes and creating all-gender spaces to better serve our campus and visiting communities.
• Further investing in equipment renewal and enhancing the overall student-athlete experience, at home and on the road.
• Hiring full-time assistant coaches for all NCAA varsity athletic teams. 
• Introducing a junior varsity (JV) rowing team. 
• Significantly increasing annual funding available for coaches to engage in player recruitment activities. 
• Further resourcing athletics-focused marketing, alum and family engagement and giving.
• Continuing to host and support successful intercollegiate club sports with their annual competitive success, both regionally and nationally.

Student-athletes will have access to increased coaching staff, updated and regularly-replaced uniforms and equipment, a larger budget for per-diem meals while traveling, more consistent transportation and enhanced programming for student-athlete leadership development. This means more support at home and on the road, providing students with the competitive advantage to fully participate in the scholar-athlete experience.

With additional resources for recruiting, coaches will also be able to engage in further activities on a national scale in support of athletics’ goal to attract a diverse and skilled group of prospective varsity athletes.

A robust set of internal and external studies clarified the areas of greatest need and potential in athletics and outlined the reorganization, reallocation and investments required to support universal success. In making this decision, President Holley considered the study findings in the context of the College's strategic planning process and investments needed to ensure universal success in athletics. Additionally, we sought to impact the fewest number of scholar-athletes as possible — in the case of tennis that number is fewer than 10. It is never an easy decision to discontinue a program, and we celebrate the positive impact every individual involved with our program has made to our community and to our scholar-athletes at the College.

The squash team can be resourced similarly to other Mount Holyoke club teams, such as ultimate frisbee, and still maintain its competitiveness. We anticipate the team’s practice and game schedule will remain very similar as squash will continue to play against the institutions with which we currently compete in the Liberty League.

Yes, tennis and squash instruction will continue as part of our physical education course offerings.

All club teams are currently advised and supported by the Department of Athletics and the Office of Student Involvement and receive funding from the Student Government Association (SGA) through the annual student activity fee. As part of the athletics investments, an assistant director of athletics will be hired and will directly supervise all club coaches and serve as a direct liaison to club team student leaders.

The overall size of the rowing program roster will remain the same. The varsity team will consist of up to 24 members and will represent the College in all official NCAA competitions, including the NEWMAC championships. The junior varsity team will consist of up to 12 members  who will have the opportunity to build their skills and compete in two to three competitions annually. Rowing will add a full-time assistant coach to support the growth and development of student-athletes and the goal of competing for a conference championship.

Mount Holyoke College is classified as Division III by the NCAA and therefore does not award athletic scholarships. Students will not lose other scholarships or financial aid because of this change in athletics, and will also have access to the academic, counseling (which includes the 24/7 Crisis Line 413-538-2037) care and support and other services that are available to all Mount Holyoke students. Those who are interested in playing another varsity and/or club sport are always welcome to try out.

Mount Holyoke College honors every student-athlete’s journey. There are currently seven members of the tennis team and eleven members of the squash team; the College will recognize each athlete as a participant for their entire time at the College, so they will be eligible for the same cords and stoles that student-athletes receive as seniors.

The College will assess all campus physical structures through a comprehensive campus facilities planning process launching this summer.