Fall sports already killing the competition

Soccer and volleyball representatives talk goals for the season

“What am I if I’m not an athlete? Is it even worth it to keep trying anymore?” These are some tough questions that many athletes, including soccer player Rachael Holm ‘21 (Communication Studies), have had to ask themselves over the past year.

“I think one great thing that came out of COVID was that when we did have the chance to play, it meant more,” says Holm. “You weren't able to take it for granted because you never knew if you'd get another chance at it…. Overall the effect that was left on us athletes was even more sense of gratitude for the game, and even more mental toughness.”

*The soccer team mid-cheer-crouch before a game. Photo taken by Thomas Schmelzer and provided by Rachael Holm.*

Much of the strain placed on many athletes during the pandemic resulted from the lack of community, as rules were put in place to slow the spread: no overnights with recruits, no team bonding, and no gatherings in enclosed spaces. However, as more and more players and coaches get vaccinated-- over 97% of the athletic department have gotten both shots!*-- athletes are becoming more comfortable getting back to normal in the sports that many of them have dedicated many years of hard work and training to.

*Bry’s got hops! Photo taken by Jim Weiler and provided by Bryana Leverentz.*

“Honestly, COVID had a huge impact on not only my own athletic experience but also on the athletic department as a whole,” says volleyball player Bryana Leverentz ‘22 (Psychology and Occupational Therapy). “We are our own community and really stick together. This year, we are trying to place a big emphasis on rebuilding those connections.”

For athletes who have played or competed in their sports for the majority of their lives, getting back to work for the season after the past year and a half is exciting but a bit bittersweet.

“The volleyball team has been putting in a lot of work and it's showing, so I'm excited to see where it takes us,” says Leverentz. “This is also my last year of volleyball ever which still doesn't feel real. Getting the opportunity to go out with a bang and take advantage of a more conventional season is all I could've asked for.”

Holm agrees: “We are obviously still very mindful of COVID and the different variants, but it is nice to have a mostly normal season again,” she says.

*Rachael Holm mid-kick. Photo credits to Brooke Torvik/Lindsay Madryga and provided by Rachael Holm.*

So far, the soccer team’s record is 6-1-2, and they’ve got their sights set on winning to MIAC and qualifying for the NCAA tournament.

Volleyball has equally high goals, and their record so far is 9-8 and 2-1 in the conference.

*Those who are not fully vaccinated went through the official exemption process of the University and are undergoing surveillance testing to meet NCAA and MIAC guidelines. This information was provided by St. Kate’s Athletic Director Eric Stacey.