McGill University Shocks Students by Cutting 25 Varsity Teams

URGENT UPDATE: McGill University has just announced a dramatic overhaul of its athletics program, cutting 25 varsity teams starting in the 2026-2027 season. This shocking decision is leaving hundreds of student-athletes feeling devastated and uncertain about their futures.

Among the programs affected is the renowned men’s and women’s track and field team, which is set to enter its 126th season this year. Track co-captain Rebecca Warcholak expressed her disbelief, stating, “We felt largely like it was out of the blue. We don’t really understand why it happened.” The long-time head coach, who has dedicated over 40 years to the program, was also caught off guard by the announcement.

The impact of this decision extends beyond athletic schedules. Second-year athlete William Sanders called the news an “absolute gut punch,” emphasizing that he chose McGill for its commitment to both academic and athletic excellence. “To hear that my career could be over in three months if I don’t leave Montreal or leave McGill, it’s just hard to wrap my head around,” he said.

The cuts will also affect the women’s rugby team, with player Maya Nanji lamenting the loss of a structured athletic life. “I definitely had to work my life around practices and games. Next year I won’t have to do that, which just sucks. Yeah, it’s terrible,” she said.

Warcholak added a personal touch, saying, “The track team is my family. My boyfriend is on the track team. My roommates have been on the track team. All my best friends are on the track team. This really is just my life.”

In a statement, McGill Athletics cited budget constraints and a lack of facility space as the driving factors behind this unprecedented decision, claiming it can no longer support the programs at the standard expected by the university.

As this situation unfolds, the McGill community is left grappling with the emotional fallout and the immediate implications for student-athletes. What happens next for these dedicated athletes remains uncertain, raising questions about their future and the legacy of McGill’s storied athletic programs.

This developing story will continue to evolve, and all eyes are on how McGill University will manage the fallout of this decision. Stay tuned for updates as the situation progresses.