What Replaces Sports For Student Athletes?

By: Brandon Teela

With the spring sports season being canceled many athletes were cut short of a special experience to come. This discontinuation also leaves fall and winter sports athletes weary about what may come regarding their seasonal sports. Many athletes look to sports as more than just fun and as a game but as something they love to do and work for, so what are they doing instead?

Soccer player Sydney Somavia, ’21, says that she has been going on bike rides and runs with her friends to fill her time. “The weather has been really nice ever since Easter so going on bike rides with friends and runs can be really enjoyable for me.”

Somavia explains that with a lack of field time there is almost nothing she can do. Somavia says that “In the beginning, it was really thought when everything was canceled it would affect my recruiting process heavy.” Though it is a roadblock for many incoming senior athletes to not be able to attend camps, showcases, tournaments, etc., Somavia suggests that now she, along with everyone else, has never had this much free time to get better.

Basketball and baseball player Joey Volchko, ’23, says that without practices he has been lifting weights and spending more time with his dad and younger brother. He says, “I don’t think that there is anything that can take the place of hard work in the gym or at practice, there is just nothing else like it.” Volchko explains that there is something satisfying about working hard and seeing improvement at whatever sport or craft you are trying to perfect.

Both Volchko and Somavia are disappointed the season had to end in such a way but they both are excited for the time they have now, that they never would have had otherwise. Volchko says that “Before quarantine, I was more focusing on schoolwork but now I have more opportunity to do more than just school, sports, homework.”

Along with Volchko, football player Karson Everett, ’22, has turned to weight lifting. He says that “I was lucky enough for my dad to be able to get me a bar and some plates so I could lift at home, but I know it is not that simple for everyone.” Everatt states that though lifting at home helps pass the time, it does not feel the same. Everatt says, “I just miss my friends, you know, and my coaches. I miss being able to get better and better every single day on the track with those guys.”

This is completely true, high school is not forever, and cherishing simple memories like track practice are irreplaceable. Volchko says, “COVID 19 has made me realize that we really can’t take life for granted, and I think this pandemic if used for nothing else, can be used as a reminder to live and play like every day is your last.”

Baseball player Diego Alvarado, ’21, explains that he and his friends have continued to work on their fielding skills together. He says that making the most of the little gym time and access they do have is essential because, “honestly, we’re all trying to make it to the next level.”

Alvarado has also taken more time into some of his hobbies including basketball to keep him occupied, “Without baseball, I like to bring out my competitive side and play other sports, mainly basketball. It keeps me motivated and really brings out the competitive edge in me and my friends.”

Many students, not just athletes, have found new hobbies to partake in to pass time. However, for most kids, this is not school work. This may be due to laziness but Somavia suggests that the inability to be graded on the work has made it difficult to be motivated to complete, even as an AP Biology student. She says, “Sometimes it just feels like there is no point in the work, it almost feels like we are not being rewarded or compensated for the work we complete.”

Most athletes have been using this time off to continue their workouts, and they have not used it as an excuse to stop their training. Everatt says that he will continue to use this as a time to stay in shape and get better until everything picks back up. Which would be the general advice that every coach would give, use this time to reflect, practice, and stay safe.

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