Cal State Northridge women's basketball team cancels season due to opt-outs

Cal State Northridge announced on Thursday that its women's basketball team won't participate in the 2020-21 season after six players voluntarily opted out amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

Additionally, a seventh potential player couldn't join the Big West program because of travel restrictions related to the health crisis, leaving the Matadors with only six available competitors. Athletic director Mike Izzi said in a prepared statement:

"Student-athlete safety will always be our priority. Given the number of students that have voluntarily elected to opt-out of competition this year, our women's basketball team will not be able to have a healthy and safe opportunity to compete this season. There is no question that supporting the welfare of student-athletes is what drives us, making our direction clear."

Northridge players also offered their thoughts:

"As a team, we came to the difficult decision that we will not compete this year. Since there are only six of us and the physical health concerns from the wear and tear of a full season with back-to-back competition, we are prioritizing our health and safety during this global pandemic. We love the game and we are competitors. We will use this time to focus and prepare mentally and physically to compete at a high level and full capacity for the 2021-22 season." 

The school confirmed that all athletics scholarships through the 2020-21 school year will be honored. Previously, the NCAA declared that all winter sports athletes can take an additional year of eligibility. 

Also on Thursday, the Ivy League canceled college basketball and all other winter sports, announced that previously delayed fall campaigns won't take place, and postponed spring seasons through at least the end of February.