Sonoma State Athletes and Coaches Rally Together to Fight Against Proposed Cuts to Sports Programs

Students and coaches at Sonoma State University are gearing up for a legal battle against their school. This follows the announcement that the university plans to cut all NCAA Division II sports programs and several academic offerings starting in the 2025-2026 school year.

The proposed cuts were revealed suddenly, just two days into the Spring semester. This includes scrapping 11 athletic programs, laying off faculty, and removing various majors. Many student-athletes feel blindsided and betrayed by this decision.

One of the voices speaking out is Taylor Hodges, a sophomore on the soccer team. She points out that almost half of the athletes at SSU are from minority backgrounds. “This affects us disproportionately,” she said. For Hodges, this is a moment to stand up and advocate for her teammates and peers.

Hodges and other student-athletes argue that the university’s decision unfairly targets students from underrepresented communities. Joining them are coaches who are also planning to file their own civil rights complaints.

Marcus Ziemer, head coach of the men’s soccer team, described the moment he learned of the cuts as heart-wrenching. He has devoted 39 years to the program, both as a player and coach. “To hear about it from a student rather than directly from the administration was tough,” he shared, expressing his sadness and disappointment.

Since the announcement, around 100 student-athletes have started to enter the NCAA Division II transfer portal, with more expected to follow. Junior basketball player Aaron Ragen mentioned that his entire team plans to enter the portal soon, which is highly unusual. “At first, I was angry. Then I was worried for everyone impacted,” Ragen said, reflecting on the emotional toll this situation has taken on him and his teammates.

The university cites declining enrollment—down 38% since 2015—and a projected $24 million deficit for the upcoming school year as reasons for these drastic cuts. However, student-athletes like Hodges believe there should be other ways to address the university’s financial challenges without sacrificing sports and academic programs.

Legal representatives for the students and coaches are drafting civil rights complaints and a class action lawsuit, aiming to file in the coming weeks. Notably, these attorneys are also alumni of Sonoma State and have a vested interest in the outcome.

This impending legal action is sure to increase the tension surrounding the university’s decision, as students, faculty, and the local community continue to express their frustrations with the direction Sonoma State is taking.

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