The director of the University of New Mexico (UNM) Athletics Department recently clarified that UNM athletes will be required to be vaccinated in order to compete.

Eddie Nuñez, UNM athletics director, made the statement during a roundtable discussion, KOB 4 reported.

“In the current year we are in, that is part of the expectation that we live under, and if you don’t want to be here because you feel that your reasons and the university doesn’t agree with the reasons, whether medical or religious, or doesn’t meet that criteria then, unfortunately, New Mexico is not the place for you,” Nuñez said, according to KOB 4. 

All UNM student-athletes received their vaccines and booster shots this season, but there was still uncertainty about how long these requirements will remain in place going forward.

“Incoming recruits, we tell them at this point, if things don't change you might have to anticipate, but understand, I do feel we are going to get to a place where that won’t be a requirement,” Nuñez said, according to KOB 4.

The UNM athletic department received $6.1 million for improvements, which will be split between a number of different projects. Planned renovations include installing new lights at the football stadium and improving the locker rooms at The Pit, KOB 4 reported.