UMKC to Drop Men's Tennis, Women's Golf in '20-'21

The University of Missouri - Kansas City is planning to drop two sports following the 2019-20 school year, the Kansas City Star reports.

This upcoming year will be the final season for Kangaroo men’s tennis and women’s golf, as the school plans to enter the Summit League in 2020-21. 

The Star reports that the teams accounted for a total of $100,000 in operating expenses during the 2017-18 school year, the last for which data was available. During that year, the men’s tennis team had 12 participants, while women’s golf had six. 

“The overriding goal for Kansas City Athletics is comprehensive excellence and this decision reflects our recognition that we have been spreading our attention and resources over too many programs to achieve excellence,” UMKC ad Brandon Martin said in a statement. 

Officials said the decision to cut men’s tennis and women’s golf provides an equitable sports environment for both male and female student-athletes, while also supporting the goals of the department and university.

“Concentrating our efforts on a reduced portfolio of programs gives our teams a better opportunity to succeed and build a larger following,” Martin said.

UMKC pledged support to affected students, and said that should those students choose to remain at the school, that their scholarships would be honored through graduation. Likewise, the school offered support to those interested in entering the NCAA transfer portal — which would allow them to choose a new school and participate in their sport immediately. 

When it enters the Summit League, UMKC will compete in 14 sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, as well as women’s volleyball, women’s softball, women’s tennis and men’s golf.