TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University men's and women's tennis programs have been discontinued, beginning in the 2023–24 academic year. After roster losses this spring, the Athletic Department will cancel varsity competitions for the remainder of the 2022–23 season.

After the year began with minimal numbers, the cancellation of the rest of the spring season came after enough students left the two programs that the rosters fell below the minimum number of student-athletes needed to compete. University leaders believe that the current offerings for both men's and women's tennis are not delivering desired results in student-athlete development, and they are investigating beginning tennis as a club sport offering as soon as the next academic year.

We recognize the impact of this news on our current student-athletes, coaches, and alumni who have proudly been part of the programs for decades. The two programs have a combined 44 conference titles and have shaped the lives of Lutes, who have gone on to be great contributors to our world after graduation. We are grateful for the leadership shown by student-athletes and coaches who have established cultures of sportsmanship and success both on and off the court.
  
The decision to end the varsity tennis programs follows a comprehensive review of the university's sport offerings, initiated to examine the overall health of the entire athletic department. The review considered several factors, including equitable opportunities for participants, the viability of the programs, the number of interested student-athletes, and the facilities needed to properly support the teams at the varsity level.

There are currently no plans to discontinue any other varsity athletic programs.