LOUISVILLE, Ky. - After a thorough review of Spalding University's NCAA sport offerings, the athletic department has made the difficult decision to discontinue the women's bowling program.

Spalding's bowling team competed as an NCAA independent since the program's inception. As an independent in a sport with no divisions, the Golden Eagles were restricted to NCAA Division III operating standards while facing teams from schools that primarily compete in higher divisions. Travel costs also increased for the bowling program as limited events in the region forced Spalding to travel extended distances to compete.

"It is with great sadness that Spalding University athletics has decided to discontinue women's bowling as a varsity sport," said Athletics Director Brian Clinard. "This decision was not made lightly as I understand and appreciate the hard work and sacrifice it takes to be a student-athlete. As a former interim head coach of the program, this decision hits me on a personal level but does not change the fact that it had to be made. 

I would like to thank all the members of our current and previous women's bowling teams. While we will no longer sponsor a women's bowling team, we will make sure that women's bowling is always a respected and honored part of our history."

Spalding University will offer all current women's bowling student-athletes the opportunity to transfer to other bowling programs. Students have the option to remain at Spalding as the sport was non-scholarship and had no effect on student-athlete financial aid.
 
The institution would like to thank all student-athletes and coaches who were involved with the bowling program over the years. Thank you all for representing the Golden Eagles in a positive manner and contributing to the athletic experience at Spalding.