The California Collegiate Athletic Association has decided to cancel all sports for the 2020-21 academic year due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

 The announcement was made on Dec. 3

The decision impacts thousands of student-athletes from 12 member schools, including Ceres Unified School District graduates Jocelyn Lopez (Central Valley), Abigail Martinez (CV), Isaac Juarez (CV), Gerardo Flores (CV), Alex Solis (CV), Evan Duran (Ceres High School), Andrea Duran (CHS) and Vianney Perez (CHS).

“I know this decision is extremely disappointing for our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans,” said Mitch Cox, CCAA Commissioner. “But from the day this pandemic took effect, every decision we made going forward has been focused on the health and safety of everyone involved. We remain committed to providing as many meaningful engagement opportunities for all of our student-athletes, coaches and staff throughout the rest of the 2020-21 academic year.”

“While this decision confirms no mandated competitive CCAA schedule will be produced for this academic year, opportunities for team activities, practice and training will be determined and defined by each member institution with the approval of the University president and the Cal State system, and shall adhere to local and state public health regulations,” he added. “The current CCAA activity policy approved in August remains in place through the end of December.”

Lopez and Martinez are members of the Stanislaus State women’s soccer program.

Lopez, a 2019 CV graduate, started at center back on defense as the Warriors compiled a 15-6-0 overall record and advanced to the NCAA Division-II Tournament last fall. 

Lopez’s outstanding play earned her a spot on the CCAA Second Team.

Martinez, a fellow 2019 CV grad, contributed at defensive midfielder.

“It’s super devastating,” Lopez said. “But it’s for the right reasons. I’m all for it. They’re taking a lot of precautions and trying to do the safest thing for everyone. It (COVID) is so much bigger than soccer. People are passing away. All of us are crossing our fingers and hoping we’ll be able to play next fall.” 

Juarez, a 2020 CV grad, committed to the Stanislaus State men’s soccer program in April.

Juarez was named Most Valuable Player of the Central California Conference during his final season with the Hawks.

He collected seven goals and two assists.

Central Valley posted a 20-5-3 overall record, advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-II championship game and claimed the CCC title for the second year in a row. 

Flores, a 2019 CV grad, suited up for the Cal State San Bernardino men’s soccer team this past season.

He was named CCAA Player of the Week after he scored five goals at forward in two games. 

Flores became just the second male soccer player in program history to register a hat trick in the past nine years. 

The Coyotes went 14-4-3 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division-II Tournament.

“Initially, they were thinking about having spring games,” Flores said. “They canceled everything. Coach told us a week ago. I kind of expected it. That’s the easiest way for them to avoid COVID spread. It’s disappointing. Seeing other college teams from different states playing makes us want to get out there. Unfortunately, we have to adapt to what life has thrown at us. I’m going to miss the competition and winning games. Sooner or later, everything will be back to normal.”

Solis (CV, class of 2019) and Evan Duran (CHS, 2014) are members of the Stanislaus State baseball program.

Solis, Duran and the Warriors had their 2020 season cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Solis batted .400 (2-for-5) from the plate with one double and one walk in seven games while contributing as a true freshman. He was a utility infielder on defense.

Duran compiled a 1-0 record at pitcher with a 7.11 ERA, five strikeouts and five walks in 61/3 innings during his junior year.

Perez (CHS, 2020) and Andrea Duran (CHS, 2018) were supposed to play softball together at Cal State Monterey Bay this spring.

 A middle infielder at Ceres High, Perez was recruited to play third base for the Otters.

Perez was enjoying her best season to date with the Bulldogs prior to the 2020 campaign being cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.

She hit .636 (14-for-22) with two homers, two triples, six RBIs and 14 runs while batting leadoff for the 6-2 Bulldogs.

Perez filled a key role while leading Ceres High to the Western Athletic Conference championship and a 19-6 overall record in 2019.

Duran was recruited to play second base for Monterey Bay.

She spent the past two years at Santa Cruz’s Cabrillo College.

Duran earned South Coast Conference honors her freshman year as the Seahawks compiled a 24-15 record and advanced to the Northern California Playoffs. She hit .284 with 14 doubles, 29 runs, 17 RBIs and eight walks in 39 games.

Cabrillo College’s 2020 campaign was canceled because of COVID-19.

Duran batted .475 with one triple, six doubles, 15 RBIs, 12 runs and just three strikeouts in 20 games.

The Seahawks went 7-14 on the season.