Six Hope College student-athletes share what they have been focusing on during a spring season changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. They talk about how they have tried to display leadership and show gratitude during trying times.
In Part 2, the team captains answered the following question regarding gratitude: “What is something positive you have experienced this school year that you might not have during a “traditional” season?”
Jo Cook, Softball
“No other Hope Softball team has gone through a season like this, which I feel makes us expectational in our own way regardless of what our record shows. I believe the positive of this season is that the team knows how special the time we have together is, and it is not taken for granted.”
Bailey Chorney, Women’s Tennis
“Something positive I have experienced this year is getting to write motivational letters for teammates and receiving them back. This is something we like to do once in a while as a team in order to encourage each other. I get so much joy from both writing and receiving these, and it is something we have been able to keep up with even though it is not a ‘traditional’ season.”
Luke Elder, Men’s Lacrosse
“There is a sense of closeness within our team. This season, more than most, there is a tremendous feeling of togetherness and brotherhood. As much as the pandemic has brought hardship, it’s forced us to hold each other accountable and find unique ways of communicating and being together.”
Paige Rosenbrook, Women’s Lacrosse
“Though this year has been weird, one thing I have appreciated is how it has brought the team together. Since we have to be careful with who we see outside of the team, we have been hanging out more than any other year. After last season being taken away, I think we all have a new level of appreciation for this season and the team. It’s been awesome creating these bonds with each other!”
Evan Becker, Baseball
“Oftentimes being put in smaller groups due to COVID, I have built better relationships with people I otherwise might not have.”
Hayley Scollard, Women’s Outdoor Track and Field
“Something positive I experienced during this school year was giving grace toward everyone, myself included. I used to put so much pressure on myself to be perfect. But the pandemic blew all of that out of the water. It made me realize what’s really important. And now I am just grateful for everyday we have as a team, the health of our bodies, the ability to run, jump, throw and compete. That may sound counter-intuitive since I am a competitive athlete, but I find my impact on Hope will be mostly through the relationships I have formed rather than the races I have won. The most significant positive would definitely be the relationships we have formed and continue to strengthen due to the unique experience we have had as student-athletes during a pandemic.”
