Men and women’s teams among athletes fully vaccinated against COVID-19

Uconn says 94 percent of its student athletes are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as the fall semester begins, raising hopes for playing seasons free of disruptions going forward.

The general student population of about 11,000 is 95 percent vaccinated, and the athletics department, with more than 600 athletes, expects to surpass that number as several teams continue vaccinating.

“I am extremely proud of our student-athletes for their commitment to the health and well-being of the campus community,” Uconn director of athletics David Benedict said in a statement released Friday. “The hard work and dedication of our medical staff, led by Dr. Deena Casiero, and the commitment made by our head coaches, were the driving forces behind this success. Becoming vaccinated is the most effective means by which we can keep COVID-19 at bay and ensure that all our teams are able to compete in a far more typical and rewarding fashion in 2021-22.”

Ten Uconn teams report 100 percent of its members are vaccinated, including men’s and women’s basketball, women’s cross country, men’s golf, women’s ice hockey, rowing, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s swimming/diving and softball.

The baseball, field hockey, women’s lacrosse and women’s track and field teams are on track to become fully vaccinated in the next few weeks, the school said.

Last week, football coach Randy Edsall said all but six of his players were fully vaccinated.