There are probably going to be layers to this onion… and tears at each stage.

Many are waiting for the House settlement to happen. It’s dragged on too long, and an answer should come soon. When it happens, schools will need to start making the actual decisions about what sports than can afford.

But the House settlement is flawed, and it’s possible that it won’t last long. (Employment would be a better model, but the holier-than-thou administrators want to maintain the make believe of student athletes.)

So, I’d probably guess that the situation will just slowly evolve and a handful of schools will continue to fade away each year as they re-prioritize sports.

Plus, even beyond sports, it’s becoming harder and harder to be a small to medium sized school. Some campuses are closing, and others are having to resort to tactics like selling their museum artwork to stay afloat (Valpo).

Through all of this, what I hope grows is college club and pro opportunities. The college club scene has become excellent, and a great way for girls to keep enjoying the game - regardless of whether or not the school makes it a varsity sport. And I’d love to see things like the FGCL and Northwoods Leagues expand. In other words, there are lots of ways to keep the sport flourishing!