A message from UC San Diego Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Earl W. Edwards...

Triton Community,
 
Those who have spent time around Triton athletics have most certainly heard me regularly recite one of several statements I believe accurately describe the intercollegiate athletics program at UC San Diego – "Athletics is more than games and competition."
 
Never, perhaps, has that statement been more accurate than in our current climate.
 
Although neither UC San Diego nor the Big West Conference have yet to make any decisions regarding the status of athletic competition this fall, I wholeheartedly maintain that our priority is the health, safety and well-being of our scholar-athletes, coaches, staff and others involved with the operation of our 23 sport programs.
 
The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted tremendous pain and suffering throughout the world.  Our state has been among the hardest hit by the thousands of cases and deaths associated with this terrible virus.
 
Until we see trends associated with this pandemic turn favorable, all decisions will be guided by an abundance of caution.  Nothing is more important than ensuring the scholar-athletes under our care are able to return to campus with confidence they will be able to realize their athletic, intellectual and emotional goals and ambitions in a safe and supportive environment.
 
Intercollegiate athletics is a year-round enterprise that maintains a deep commitment to the development of scholar-athletes, in addition to providing institutional pride, social engagement and cultural significance – all regardless of the status of athletic competition.  
 
The scholar-athlete experience goes well beyond wins and losses.  It includes building bonds with teammates, collectively fighting through adversity and connecting with a diverse set of communities.
 
Programs within our department are designed to create leaders for life that exhibit the skills, traits and capabilities to be influential global citizens who advocate for change and have the fortitude to overcome obstacles and exceed boundaries.
 
The stated goal of UC San Diego's Return to Learn program is to emphasize what this institution does best  - teach, learn, conduct pioneering research and serve our communities in the safest way possible.
 
That is what we intend to do.
 
Although there is uncertainty surrounding intercollegiate athletic competition this fall, we will continue to ensure scholar-athletes, coaches and athletics staff make a significant contribution to the campus community, alumni, friends and supporters through service, engagement and unique connections.  
 
We will continue to remain heavily involved in campus activities.  Surveys have shown that collaborative student-centered programming, particularly those that utilize the athletics brand and feature the involvement of scholar-athletes, can have a positive effect on the study-life balance and the mental well-being of the entire student population.
 
I am frequently reminded of some of the principle reasons for our transition to NCAA Division I status: to elevate the student experience, strengthen alumni connections, increase community engagement and expand the university's national brand.  
 
I believe we can continue to do those things during this unprecedented time, while preparing our scholar-athletes in a manner consistent with our expected standard of excellence.
 
Go Tritons!

Earl