The Vanderbilt womenโs basketball program has decided to opt out of the remainder of the 2020-21 season.
The school made the decision due to complications related to COVID-19, including personal opt-outs and injuries.
โWe fully support and respect the decision of our student-athletes. Their health, safety and well-being have always been, and will continue to be, a top priority,โ said Candice Lee, Vanderbiltโs vice chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and athletic director in a post on the schoolโs website. โWe know that this was a tough call for them, in a year full of tough calls, and a disappointing outcome for the student-athletes and the program.โ
Vanderbilt finished the 2020-21 season 4-4 overall and 0-3 against SEC opponents.
โAs a staff we have and will always prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes,โ Vanderbilt head coach Stephanie White said. โWe are coaching a group of young women who have been resilient in dealing with opt-outs, injuries, COVID-19 protocols, as well as the physical, mental and emotional toll that comes with COVID-19. We respect our student-athletesโ decision and support them as we continue to move forward.โ