Finding the Silver Lining
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is challenging to find the good in things when in reality everyone’s world has been turned upside down.
Through the pandemic I have been able to spend time with my teammates and have a unique season on the Women’s Soccer team. A big topic we have continued to reiterate everyday on the field was to find the silver lining, show gratitude, and make it a good day for somebody else.
In order to be on campus when we returned in January to begin our season, testing 3 to 4 times a week was required, we could not see anyone outside our team, we were encouraged to avoid restaurants, the store and shopping, and no fans were allowed at our games. You could say we were and still are in a tight bubble.
I would be lying if I said this season has not been that bad because it truly has been the hardest and most challenging obstacle me and my teammates have had to face.
Our team was under heavy protocol and looked upon by the Athletic Department to be prime examples for other sports teams coming to campus. There was no wiggle room for the team to make a mistake and frustration came when other sports teams did not follow the same protocol as we did. We wondered where their punishment was and why we would never get any recognition for the taxing regulations we had to follow daily?
However, we looked at our opportunity of being able to train, compete and play in the NCAA tournament as the silver lining to this pandemic. Besides playing and competing, our program and team grew exceptionally close, we became a cohesive group that is impossible to separate. Everyday we showed up being grateful and enjoying the game we love with our family. Most importantly, we are still continuing that journey together in the NCAA tournament. We are still dancing, we play the College Cup semifinals on Thursday May 13 vs. North Carolina.