Due to construction, the school board has made the decision to cut back on sports funding for all the girls teams this season. This is a devastating time for both the student athletes who were going into their final season and the college bound athletes who were counting on this season to make a good impression on a college coach. 

Like many other students, senior Ava Santora is disappointed with the outcome of this situation. 

“I am extremely upset about the cancellation of spring womens sports,” said Santora. “I was looking to run in college and this is making it more difficult to make that happen.” 

Santora was on the track team for all three years of high school so far and won’t be finishing her final year. 

“Not only am I upset about the cancellation but also that I won’t be able to run or letter for my senior year,” said Santora. “I was looking forward to trying to break a new record this year.” 

The school board had a voting on this at their last meeting which was held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. They did get it past the U.S. Department of Education to continue the male sports because of them being favored over womens regardless of Title 9. 

Junior Codi Mullen thankfully is not affected by this situation and is happy about it. 

“I can see how it would be sad for the girls who were excited for the season this year,” said Mullen. “I am thankful, however, that my season is still continuing because I love playing lacrosse and the team that we have.”

Due to the news being such a shock to the Knoch School District families, many students are regretting not playing a fall sport when they had the chance. 

Senior Sydney Mullen is a member of the girls lacrosse team and was devastated about the news. She is disappointed that she is ending her senior year not having a final season. 

“I love being on a team and the positive environment that it can bring,” said Mullen. “I wish that I had known about this sooner and was able to have the chance to play a fall sport.” 

This news definitely came as a shock not only to the students but also to the families and coaches. Regardless of the construction circumstances, it is extremely frustrating that the budget for construction is more important than both the student athletes’ physical and emotional health.