Another D1 Softball program bites the dust...

[ScottyDont]

Temple University announced today that they would be terminating 7 sports, including their softball program. Sad news for my family as my daughter had Temple on her short list.

Temple University cuts 7 intercollegiate sports | 6abc.com

 

[dropball1]

Duke University announced they will add Softball in the 2017/2018 school year

Duke to add softball for 2017-18 school year - Wire More Sports - The Sacramento Bee

 

[JAD]

Duke University announced they will add Softball in the 2017/2018 school year

Duke to add softball for 2017-18 school year - Wire More Sports - The Sacramento Bee

SWEET!!!!! Now if we can just get Vandy, Wake Forest and Clemson to sign up!!!

 

[InsidePitch]

I wondered why Duke didn't have SB.

 

[SoCal_Dad]

The article also says Duke is increasing the number of scholarships in 4 other women's sports to the NCAA max. Title IX compliance obviously played a role in this. I wonder whether the recent success of the football team did too - it used to be extremely weak.

Duke is adding softball as a varsity sport and is increasing its number of scholarships in four other women's sports.
...
White also says the women's fencing, rowing, swimming and diving and track and field programs each will have the maximum number of scholarships allowed by the NCAA.

My niece played vball at Duke and loved it there. I wish they made this decision a few years ago.

 

[maksoftball]

Very cool for Duke. Sorry about Temple University. We are still waiting to see if Rice University will start a SB program...they have an awesome baseball program...

 

[Umpire]

The article also says Duke is increasing the number of scholarships in 4 other women's sports to the NCAA max. Title IX compliance obviously played a role in this. I wonder whether the recent success of the football team did too - it used to be extremely weak.

Duke is adding softball as a varsity sport and is increasing its number of scholarships in four other women's sports.
...
White also says the women's fencing, rowing, swimming and diving and track and field programs each will have the maximum number of scholarships allowed by the NCAA.

My niece played vball at Duke and loved it there. I wish they made this decision a few years ago.

What makes you think that "Title IX compliance obviously played a role in this?"

 

[marriard]

What makes you think that "Title IX compliance obviously played a role in this?"

Turns out television revenues played a major part:

Duke to add softball team and other women’s sports scholarships

Duke will be at the top end of my DD's school list (softball or not)

 

[SoCal_Dad]

What makes you think that "Title IX compliance obviously played a role in this?"

All the additions were in women's sports.

The TV money made the additions feasible and Title IX played a role in them all being made in women's sports. I expect money is also being added to men's sports budgets too, even if scholarships aren't being added.