To the Saint Louis University community:
 
Earlier today, the Atlantic 10 Conference announced it will postpone the 2020 fall sports competitions and championships. This decision impacts the championship seasons for our men's and women's cross country, field hockey, men's and women's soccer and volleyball programs. In addition, the fall competitive schedules for men's and women's tennis and men's and women's swimming and diving will be postponed, as will non-traditional competition seasons for baseball and softball.
 
The conference and institutional leadership have agreed to a "look-in window" mid-September, allowing for a potentially truncated competitive schedule amongst conference opponents if the COVID-19 risk has substantially been reduced. The reinstatement of conference competitions following the look-in window would require medical and institutional protocols that would assure the safety of student-athletes, staff and the campus community. If COVID-19 risk levels do not improve, the teams and student-athletes will continue training and practicing while attending classes and prepare for a spring 2021 competitive schedule.
 
While this news is disappointing, the safety and well-being of our student-athletes are, and will always be, at the forefront of our program. We will continue to support them through our strategic objectives –  to educate, compete and build community. Our commitment to serve is even stronger during this time. We will engage the student-athletes and prepare for successful seasons when the time comes to compete. 
 
Saint Louis University, under the leadership and guidance of President Dr. Fred Pestello, is planning for a safe return for all students to the University next month for an in-person fall semester. As student-athletes of all our sports programs return to campus in the coming weeks, we remain committed to providing the very best intercollegiate athletic experience possible this fall. Once the Billikens step foot on campus, we will safely engage with them and prepare for competition. 
 
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our country in many ways. I encourage all to practice social distancing, wear masks, wash your hands, and do everything we can do to protect our community and our loved ones. Together, the Billikens will get through this and have great success. We look forward to welcoming all student-athletes back to campus in August.
 
Chris May
Director of Athletics