West Coast Conference postpones fall sports, including soccer, volleyball, and cross country

The West Coast Conference announced Thursday that it will postpone the Fall 2020 Olympic Sports seasons for women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s cross country.

The WCC is comprised of 10 teams, 7 of which are in California. There was pressure on the WCC after the Pac-12 made their decision to postpone fall sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While football is unlikely to be played in the spring, olympic sports are more feasible given the team size and difference in contact. Women’s soccer won’t share space with anyone, nor will the cross country teams. With gymnastics, women’s volleyball, and men’s volleyball all competing for space at the Smith Fieldhouse with this decision, gymnastics will likely be held in the Marriott Center on off nights for basketball to allow for volleyball-only use at the Smith Fieldhouse.

Women’s soccer is coming off their best ever season, going undefeated during the regular season and securing another WCC title. They finished the season ranked 5th and got a 2-seed in the NCAA tournament, making it to the Elite Eight before falling to eventual national champion Stanford.

Women’s volleyball finished ranked #17 nationally, going 26-5 and taking second in the WCC at 16-2. They played strong throughout the season, including a big win on the road at then #1 Stanford, but an early exit in the NCAA tournament left fans a bit disappointed.

Cross country was spectacular in 2019, with the men’s team winning the National Title and the women coming in second. BYU will hopefully have a chance to defend their title again in the spring, especially with their rivalry with powerhouse NAU.

This decision will also affect club sports, such as the lacrosse, rugby, and men’s soccer teams. NIRSA, who is the governing body for men’s club soccer, will make a final decision by August 18th whether to cancel or postpone the 2020-21 season.