Vanderbilt women’s basketball ends season because of COVID concerns, injuries

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    NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) — Vanderbilt’s women’s basketball team has elected not to continue the remainder of the 2020-21 season due to a combination of COVID-19 related circumstances, opt-outs, and injuries, the school announced Monday.

“We fully support and respect the decision of our student-athletes. Their health, safety, and well-being have always been, and will continue to be, a top priority,” said Candice Lee, Vanderbilt’s Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director, in a news release. “We know that this was a tough call for them, in a year full of tough calls, and a disappointing outcome for the student-athletes and the program.”

“As a staff, we have and will always prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes,” Vanderbilt head coach Stephanie White said in a news release. “We are coaching a group of young women who have been resilient in dealing with opt-outs, injuries, COVID-19 protocols as well as the physical, the mental and emotional toll that comes with COVID-19. We respect our student-athletes decision and support them as we continue to move forward.”

Vanderbilt finished the 2020-21 season with a 4-4 overall record, 0-3 in the SEC.

The Commodores join a growing list of women’s basketball teams that have decided to stop playing that now includes Duke, SMU, Virginia and San Jose State among others.

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