Recently, someone brought up to me how Stanford University is cutting out eleven sports programs. They are doing so because with the coronavirus, they don't have enough money to support all of them. The sports that are being dropped are wrestling, co-ed and women's sailing, synchronized swimming, squash, men's and women's fencing, lightweight rowing, men's rowing, field hockey and men's volleyball. The big shock to everyone, is how they are cutting out the men's volleyball program.
Volleyball is a big deal at this particular school. The men's team has not only one, but two national titles. They have also finished second three times. In addition to these already amazing accomplishments, the school has produced ten Olympians. While reading some articles on this topic, I have also come to find that other coaches, such as the UCLA and USA coach were saddened and disappointed with these news. Many people do not believe this should be happening, and others are confused as to why it is, because Stanford University is the "fourth-wealthiest school in North America and the sixth-highest-ranked in the world" according to TheBestSchools's article "The 100 Richest Universities: Their Generosity and Commitment to Research''.
Because so many people like myself are upset about this, there has been a petition made that you can sign to help try and save the program. As of right now, 32,920 out of the 35,000 people they are trying to get to sign have signed the petition. I was looking further into it when I read the description to find out that, for boys, volleyball is the second fastest growing sport in the United States. Also, more than 80 NCAA men's volleyball teams have been added within the last ten years. I personally really hope to hear or see soon that at least men's volleyball is back. They may have said that these decisions were final, but that won't stop the people who have a passion for the sport. They will keep fighting to get their sport back.
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