This week’s topic is a little bit of a change from what we have been previously talking about, but it fits in just the same. Society as a whole has changed dramatically in the last few weeks and for good reason. COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus, has given the entire world a scare like we haven’t had in our lifetimes. While other sicknesses and illnesses have been unsettling, the coronavirus has sent a shockwave through the world and has put things into perspective. In my eyes there is a very important lesson to be had here; cherish every single moment before it’s over.
For us, as college student-athletes, this coronavirus has taken its toll. Amidst the panic about this pandemic at hand, the NCAA has decided that canceling all remaining winter and spring championships is the best course of action for the safety of all student-athletes. So, as baseball players, 16 games into our season we have been cut short and canceled. Just like that. After all the blood, sweat and tears that were shed during the fall and winter months preparing for our season, we have been cut short. Luckily for me, I’m just a junior. For our seniors and 5th-year seniors, this is heartbreaking. Most likely this is the last year of organized sports forever for those seniors and it was taken from them before they even realize it. The NCAA has the athlete’s best interests in mind health-wise, but it is still heartbreaking. That’s why you have to cherish every single moment that you have because it slips through your fingers before you know it. You have to go in every single day knowing that it could be your last puts things into perspective.
I would’ve changed a lot of things about this season if I would’ve known this is how it would end. I would’ve spent more time with my 3 roommates who happen to all be 5th-year seniors who aren’t electing to return. I would’ve given everything I had for the fall and every single day in practice for these seniors if I would’ve known. It’s tough to look back and know that there were days that I wanted to quit. I thought about not coming back next year. But after this shortened season, I realize that I take baseball for granted and that one day I’m going to wake up and won’t have baseball. I challenge you to think that way about everything. Think about being in college, being in the position you’re in and how blessed you really are to be in your shoes. Cherish every moment because you never know when this moment will be your last.
How to be a Successful Collegiate Athlete 