On July 1st, the chancellor of University of Massachusetts Dartmouth announced the disbanding of 8 different athletic programs, one of which being the men's and women’s swim and dive team. The decision to remove to UMass Dartmouth swim and dive team is heartbreaking. The team had 18 up-incoming freshman and many of us chose this school because of the athletic opportunity. The coaches Owen Worden and Cathy Motta are the best coaches in the league and they have produced such a successful team. The disbanding of the team severely hurts the lives of the athletes, but the reputation of the school. As someone who was a swimmer for ten years, I always knew UMass Dartmouth as a force to be reckoned with. So many students want to swim for this school because of how successful it is. Not only for the success, but for the family created. Taking away the swim and dive team means taking away a family. Swim and dive is always a sport that is fought for. No one takes it seriously and I am willing to fight for it again. I have fought my whole life for an opportunity to swim.  I will continue to fight. UMass Dartmouth also has an amazing facility that other schools envy. It is well known among college athletes just how prestige the pool and other facilities at Umass Dartmouth are. UMass swim and dive has been awarded many educational awards over the years which also make them extremely reputable. It has been brought to my attention that on August 15 the chancellor is resigning and moving to Western New England. My question is why would they make such a drastic choice a month before leaving. I think they have left our new chancellor with a liability, versus an asset.  I hope our new chancellor re-opens the athletic programs for the help of our marketing and for the well being of the athletes. There were claims that UMass is inclusive and supports all people, and then to rip away eight sports is not supporting the numerous athletes affected.  The decision is hurting the lives of athletes deeply. Many of us use athletics as a therapy, a get away , a social outlet, and a second family. Taking away the UMass sports teams is taking away a key tool in maintaining our mental health. Athletics work differently than a guidance counselor would. Working out, being competitive, and doing so in a team environment is mutually beneficial to all parties physically and mentally. Being in athletics also increases focus, helps with academics, and relieves stress.  Overall, the team also had some great accomplishments in just the 2019-2020 season. 14 athletes were chosen for the All New England Team, 2 were chosen for the All Sportsmanship Team, 9 athletes were chosen for the Fall All Academic Team, and 20 athletes were chosen for the Spring All Academic Team. The team has also hosted "Hour of Power" to commemorate Ted Mullin and others who have battled cancer.  They also participate in the Corsair Challenge of donating money that gets matched to gifts for the school.