COVID-19 limits women’s soccer team 2020 season potential

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Coronavirus pandemic is affecting people worldwide as well as those who are local, which includes Fort Wayne, Ind., and the many universities that inhibit the city. As a result of the Coronavirus, students have been forced to leave campus, funds have been reimbursed, and spring sports have been cancelled. 

Indiana Tech, a university in Fort Wayne, is not exempt from these changes. Students have moved out of on-campus housing, classes have gone online, and sports, such as women’s soccer, have been impacted for the 2020 season. 

Not only has the virus affected the current players on the roster, but it has also affected the recruiting process during this time. Incoming freshman Athena Edwards resides in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and said it has been quite difficult to connect with coaches and players. She said that quarantine life has not been ideal in the commitment process and the many steps that follow. 

“Everyone right now is in lockdown I assume, Edwards said. “Staying fit is one of our main concerns now as a team since we don’t have the privilege of training with one another in close contact. Staying fit sits on the shoulders of the individual during this time, so hopefully everyone is still taking that into consideration to prepare for the Fall. I’ve gotten to meet a few of the girls on the team. It’s hard to actually meet them in person due to where I live and the current pandemic. The few girls I’ve met have been put into a small group with me to do workouts, which makes me feel more welcomed and not scared to uproot my life here to move out to the Midwest.”

Athena Edwards, rising freshman

This lockdown has also affected some returners and even those hoping to get back into it. Senior Paxton Simerman plans to come back to compete for a roster spot for Fall 2020 after rehabbing a torn labrum, torn rotator cuff and many stretched ligaments that have spanned over three different surgeries. 

“I’m super excited to come back and play the sport I love,” Simerman mentioned. “This lockdown has been difficult for many of us for many different reasons. I had just started to get my feet wet by competing in a Sunday league with some returners and freshmen while doing workouts with my roommate and attending small group training. Now that everything has been on hold due to the virus, some of the workouts and group training I looked forward to have been cancelled, which worries me about being fully prepared to endure the season. We are definitely getting in shape for the Fall season during this time, but it could definitely hurt us since we aren’t able to meet together as a large group right now.”

Paxton Simerman, rising senior

In addition to contact training, communication amongst the team has not been dismissed during this pandemic, but has altered. The team has been split into small groups where accountability has been crucial to getting fit. These groups ensure that everyone is receiving workouts and feedback on what to expect. Several of the women’s soccer players said senior Molly Ames has been a very positive reinforcement during this time.

“The communication has been neutral,” Ames said. “We have some teammates that [who] have stepped up during this time to ensure that we all really are focused on the coming season and what this pandemic can bring about. I still am working, so I’ve made sure that I’m taking precautions and making sure that I am mentally and physically healthy. I like to run to clear my head, which has also helped in keeping focus on my team and myself. As long as we all work on ourselves and take the time to reflect, I believe that we can come back a better team and be ready for the Fall season. I think this starts with you as the individual and knowing what has to be done to make improvements in your weaker areas. I’m just really trying to be all about the ‘good vibes’ for both myself and my team.”

Molly Ames, rising senior

While keeping up to date with academics, athletics and one another, the Indiana Tech women’s soccer team is trying to stay connected during this time. The uncertainty of the pandemic has affected the team in numerous ways, but Edwards, Simerman and Ames said they plan to not let this uncertain time hinder their Fall performances. 

“We really are all in this together,” Head Coach, Jim Lipocky said. “I am pleased with the progress we’ve made in staying connected. Hopefully, we can get back after it come summertime for our Residential Camp.”

Jim Lipocky, head coach