First off, let me start by saying my heart absolutely breaks for you. I am SO sorry this happened.
During the day, I became emotional. After all, my job is literally to cover sports.
But then it hit me. Sure, I may feel this way, but what about YOU, the players? What about the seniors who won’t get to end their careers in the way they had hoped? What about those of you who just witnessed their season end? What about those of you who won’t get to see their dream of playing in a championship come true?
I literally can’t even imagine.
I mean for me, I go to the games, interview players and coaches, write articles, and so on. I spend my days analyzing film, players, games, you name it. So what do I do now that there are no NCAA, NBA, MLB, NHL, and WNBA games to cover? I become creative. I create stories to talk about. I watch game films from previous years, I write about the future events in sports this year, just to name a few.
But what can you, the athletes who are affected by this, do?
I’m not even sure what to say. What CAN I say? I’ve never experienced this. But I can try and encourage you, and remind you that although we don’t know what is going to happen (games rescheduled, later season championship games brought back) we can
First off, send an encouraging text to your teammates, especially any seniors on your team, because as it looks now, their season just ended. Tell them how thankful you are for them, and for all they do. Thank them for being a leader. And remind them that you will fight for them. After all, the NCAA will have to address eligibility, especially for spring sports that are just getting underway. Maybe… just maybe, they’ll get another shot at their senior year.
Secondly, don’t lose hope. I know this has to hurt, and I know you’re probably sad and mad, and probably at the same time. I would be if I were you too. But don’t let that emotion take away all the excitement, fun, and joy you experienced this season. Don’t let this situation take away all the good moments of the season.
If you can, keep working hard. Some of you may be quarantined and unable to make it to the gym, field, weight room, etc. But if you can, keep working. Don’t quit now. All of your hard work, grit, and passion wasn’t for “nothing.” Keep grinding. Keep dreaming. Keep aspiring. And keep hoping. We don’t know what the future holds.
That’s all you can do. That’s all I can do.
We are in this together.
Fans.
Coaches.
Players.
Media.
We were all impacted by these decisions, so we HAVE to stick together.
We have to encourage and support one another.
Because whether people believe it or not, it IS more than just a game. It’s a family. It’s a community- that sticks together, no matter what.
It’s the fans who reach out to the players to encourage them.
It’s the players who reach out to the coach and thank them.
It’s the coach who thanks the fans for their support and dedication, even during hard times like these.
At the end of the day, THIS is what the game is all about.
So know that you aren’t alone.
You are supported and encouraged and have fellow players, coaches, and fans walking through this with you.
We may not know what the future holds, but at least we can try to make the best of this situation, together.
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