COVID-19 Interrupts FSU Sports, Student Dreams
posted by Joshua Dungee | September 4, 2020 | In News, SportsStudent athletes are facing very trying times due to the unfortunate outbreaks of COVID-19. Not only did it bring most seasons to a temporary halt, it also left many athletes questioning what will happen next. The virus has had a negative impact on many student athletes and has been draining both physically and mentally, resulting in many athletes becoming anxious and confused.
Here at Fayetteville State University, all sports have come to a standstill for the moment. Athletes were still rewarded their scholarships; however, they are not permitted to practice together or have any games.
Junior communication major and volleyball player Meagan Greene said, “My coaches are really focused on our mental health being that this is a different time for all of us.”
All athletes have been told to do their training on their own in case these sports are able to start back up, Greene has been attending a 5 a.m. bootcamp every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Many other schools have not yet permitted full team practices or games, however, there are a few Division 1 schools who have began their sports seasons. On August 24, Duke University stated that they will begin fall sports, but no fans will be allowed to attend. NCAA stated: “During Duke home games, only essential game personnel and broadcast media will be allowed in attendance.”
Some college freshmen and transfer students have reported feeling very anxious, especially those of them who have been looking for athletic scholarships. According to U.S. News & World Report, these students are now having a harder time getting seen by recruiters because of social distancing rules and their seasons being cut short. Many of these athletes have been expressing their frustration of not knowing much about how the rest of their year will pan out.
Recruiting has become very limited because of the virus but it has not completely stopped. Dan Doyle, a recruiting coach manager for Next College Student Athlete spoke with U.S. News & World Report: “Students [should] organize their game film, transcripts and test scores in one place for coaches to see, whether that’s through the platform he works for or another portal. For example, he encourages students to make use of social media to connect with coaches.”
Though many students hope for and apply for athletic scholarships the amount scholarships given will actually not be a drastic change because “only 2 percent of high school athletes are awarded some form of athletics scholarship to compete in college,” according to the NCAA.
Many student athletes have been proven to be more stressed. According to the NCAA, “A majority of participants reported experiencing high rates of mental distress since the outset of the pandemic.” Many of them even reported having trouble sleeping.
Many student athletes are hopeful that their seasons will resume but until then, they are doing what they can to stay focused and prepared for whatever is thrown their way.
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