Florida Institute of Technology announced Thursday that it will discontinue three varsity sports programs at the conclusion of the current spring season: men's tennis, women's tennis and women's golf.

The reduction affects 25 student-athletes — 10 men and 15 women. Athletics leadership met personally with the affected student-athletes earlier today to share the news and answer questions.



Florida Tech Athletics Director Bill Jurgens said that this move will allow the university to better focus its finite athletic resources across the remaining 18 varsity sports.



"This was a very difficult decision for the university, given the great respect we all have for the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes and their coaches," Jurgens said in a news release. "The student-athletes affected by this decision are our priority. All scholarship-eligible student-athletes impacted by this reduction will have their athletic scholarships honored for the duration of their undergraduate enrollment at Florida Tech."



The university considered many factors in deciding which varsity sports would be discontinued, Jurgens said, including the state of available facilities, squad size, and potential to be competitive.



"We are proud of all of our student-athletes, and will work with them through this transition," Jurgens said.