SAN FRANCISCO -- The Academy of Art University athletics department has reviewed its sports programs at the NCAA Division II level and, in alignment with the university's strategic plan, has made the decision to discontinue its baseball program at the conclusion of the 2022-23 academic year.

"It is a difficult decision to discontinue a sport," said Director of Athletics Brad Jones. "It impacts so many people who have dedicated so much to the program. However, after a lengthy evaluation of our athletics programs, it has been determined that we will discontinue the sponsorship of the sport of baseball at the conclusion of the 2023 season."

All scholarship-eligible student-athletes affected by this reduction will have their athletic scholarships honored in full. If they choose to transfer, NCAA rules allow them to play right away and not have to sit out a year.
 
"We are proud of our past and present baseball student-athletes, we are pleased that they are representatives of the Academy of Art University, and we look forward to their future successes," Jones said. "We are also very appreciative of our baseball coaches for their professionalism, service, and dedication to our student-athletes and the baseball program at the Academy of Art University. We will continue to focus on supporting our baseball student-athletes throughout this process."

The university will continue to sponsor and look to further enhance its 13 collegiate athletics programs moving forward. Those include softball, women's volleyball, women's tennis, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, as well as both indoor and outdoor men's and women's track & field.