By Stevie Corio — Reporter
While the main concern about the suspension of college sports revolves around the seniors and them potentially playing their last collegiate games ever, they’re not the only ones whose season was cut short.
“I just hope that we are able to get back to the way that we were playing and we keep this same energy next season, said freshman pitcher Shannon Haddad.
Freshman year of college is new territory for everyone, but for athletes, it’s a season of growth with a brand new team and a time to prove yourself.
For some athletes, this downtime could be detrimental to their development and growth. Although coach Turner has expressed that he isn’t too concerned with how his freshmen will perform since they were able to get a taste of how college ball operates.
“I look at this situation for my freshmen as a way to learn without consequences,” Turner said
Some athletes are missing out on their prime performance time and having to stop training completely is an even bigger loss.
“I didn’t even think about it like that, my season being cut short. I just felt really bad for all of our seniors and how hard they’ve worked,” Haddad said.
The fate of the seniors and how they will end their time at San Jose State has resonated with many people, but especially the softball team. The seniors’ contribution to this tight-knit team is one of the major elements in the team’s chemistry.
“I would love nothing more than to have my seniors back for another year, so I hope it works out,” Turner said.
The team went on a program-best 17-game winning streak this year. They had a strong chance at winning the Mountain West, which made this situation sting that much more.
The softball players, along with most other collegiate athletes, not only lose their seasons but day-to-day regimens too.
With shelter in place orders and no updates on when practices and games will resume, players are forced to take it one day at a time and focus on the aspects that they can control.
Most athletes at this time are solely focused on school. Since academics have been converted to online platforms, the majority of their downtime is spent in school during their time at home.
“The majority of the day I’m literally just doing homework or studying,” said freshman arm Ilona Sullivan.
The pandemic has also resulted in the temporary closing of major public establishments, including gyms which has been forcing athletes to get creative during this “offseason.”
Working out from home has been an initiative that many athletes are taking during this unwanted downtime.
“My dad bought this multi-purpose exercise machine, so I just use that every day to try and stay in shape,” Sullivan said.
The freshmen have shown that through this time they refuse to sulk and dwell on the fact that they are unable to play.
“I think with what’s going on it will just allow us to have more appreciation for our next season,” Turner said.
While emotions are on high regarding the seniors, the younger players seem to be determined to take this situation and turn it into gold next season.
Follow Stevie on Twitter @CorioStevie
