By Alexis Blue

On Jan. 22, Sonoma State University announced its decision to discontinue its athletic department as a part of a restoration effort for the $23.9 million deficit the university is currently facing, officially leaving the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) with one less team and Cal Poly Humboldt teams with one less opponent.

With Sonoma discontinuing all Division II athletics, over 225 Sonoma student-athletes across 11 sports face uncertainty, while 62 members of faculty, staff, and management will no longer have contracts for the 2025-2026 school year. Sonoma is one of the closest neighbors to Humboldt in the CCAA and has been a conference member since 1998.

The sudden nature of this decision by Sonoma State has left Humboldt concerned for what competition will look like for seasons to come. Seth Uson, a Humboldt men’s soccer player majoring in business administration, reflects on his initial shock at the news.

“It was just a befounding moment,” Uson said. “No way we would think something like that could happen to them.”

Uson shared his sympathy for Sonoma State’s student athletes, as many are now likely faced with the challenge of finding new housing and a new place to compete. He expressed how this situation has made him realize how valuable time as a student athlete can be while situations exist beyond most student athletes’ control.

Juliano Pereira, the assistant coach for men’s soccer, offered his perspective on what competition may look like in the next chapter for Humboldt.

“I think the CCAA is probably the best Division II conference for soccer,” Pereira said. “I think it’s always tough to be losing a team, but we’re lucky to have a strong conference with lots of competitive games.”

Pereira conveyed a similar sense of gratitude toward competing, as well as a hope that Humboldt Athletics can create a greater understanding of value within the university and community. 

“There’s ways that athletics can help add a lot more to the university — both financial, but also in terms of culture and spirit within the community,” Pereira said. 

This situation has contributed to a variety of emotions toward what the future of Humboldt Athletics and Division II sports in the CCAA may look like. However, Associate Athletics Director for External Relations and Senior Woman Administrator Amanda Nelson offered some uplifting insight.

“We will be adjusting our competition schedules starting next year, as we will no longer be traveling to Sonoma,” Nelson said. “The CCAA recently added UC Merced, which brought the number of member schools up to 13. With Sonoma State’s decision, the CCAA will return to 12 member institutions.”

In light of the recent changes that the CCAA — and consequently Humboldt Athletics — has faced, Nelson voiced the significant role that athletics intends to support and sustain moving forward.

“Athletics provides opportunities for engagement through events, intramural sports, and fitness programs, creating a sense of community and school pride,” Nelson said. “The athletic department contributes to a rich, inclusive campus life that complements the university’s academic mission and prepares all students for success beyond graduation.”

Alexis Blue is a junior at Cal Poly Humboldt, majoring in journalism and minoring in writing. She enjoys drinking coffee, sunsets on the beach, and playing soccer.