Providence ends Junior Pilots program

Providence College Athletics has put an end to their Junior Pilots program, announcing the move Aug. 25. The Junior Pilots were a club program for athletes before they graduated high school.

A news release from the school said the decision to close the program was because of Providence’s recent financial challenges. The college sold their Winnipeg campus after getting hit hard due to changes in international student rules in Canada.

“The closure of the Junior Pilots Club is a result of the broader financial circumstances facing Providence and should not be viewed as a reflection of the quality of the program, its coaches, or the athletes who participated,” the release reads.

Providence announced it would be vastly reducing their club presence earlier this summer, but the recent announcement ended to the whole program.

“While this is a difficult decision, we believe it is important to give our athletes and families clarity as early as possible,” director of athletics Joel Coursey said.

“Rather than asking families to wait through an increasingly uncertain situation, we want to give them the opportunity to explore other local club programs and make decisions that are best for their athletes.”

The Junior Pilots were especially strong in volleyball, with several teams finding success at recent provincial and national level tournaments.

“We are incredibly thankful for every coach and family who has been part of the Junior Pilots Club,” Coursey said.

“Our coaches have poured countless hours into these athletes, and we are grateful for the way they have invested in the next generation. We want to do everything we can to help our athletes find a positive path forward.”

The release re-affirmed Providence’s commitment to their varsity athletics program. Both the Pilots men’s and women’s soccer teams are currently in Alberta for pre-season games.