Just like for every college, there is a different feeling surrounding athletics atEMU this year. For teams to be able to practice safely, there are different COVID-19 protocols they must follow. On EMU’s campus, teams have been doing a good job staying within the specific protocols in place, which is keeping everyone on the teams and on campus safe. EMU’s field hockey team started earlier this fall and are now in a good groove of things in practice and doing a good job with practicing safe social distancing during practices.
The field hockey team was able to finish their season last year, and they are looking forward to a fresh start this year with a new team. For senior Clover Cooper, it is a good feeling to be back together as a team. “For me personally, it feels great to be back. Being in quarantine and being away from everyone, especially my entire team was hard. We all had to go months with not seeing each other or playing the game we love. Finally being back on campus, having practices and being around each other again is my favorite part of EMU right now. We are able to take two hours a few times a week to let go of school, COVID struggles, and just have fun. While our fall season isn’t what we wanted, I think our team and coaching staff have made the best of it.”
This is Cooper’s senior season, and this year means a lot to her. “This fall season for me means a chance to be with my team whether it’s for the last time or for a season we are preparing for. If our spring season doesn’t happen, this fall is the last time I will be a part of a EMU field hockey team,” Cooper said. Regardless of uncertainty, she is staying positive. “I am trying to enjoy every second of it because I have no idea what the future holds. This season is an outlet for me. I have classes, two jobs, and am not able to have the normal experiences of college. When I get to the field I am able to let all of that go and enjoy myself, be with my team, and play a game I have loved for eight years. This season means family. A family I hope to get to continue being with next spring.”
Senior Bri Miller is enjoying the new practice format. “We have small group workouts a couple times a week, and just recently we have had full team practices. Hopefully we go into scrimmaging each other soon, but for now, we have been working on individual skills,” said Miller. There have also been some challenging parts of practice as well. “Having to go through all the COVID protocols and having to keep a mask on the whole time while practicing is really challenging. You have to be aware of other people around you and it just makes it tough.”
Junior Brandy Troutman has been on a specific mission for herself and the team. “The goal I’ve had for myself was bettering my fitness and strength, and for the team’s goals, we are focused on our mental health and the basics of field hockey,” said Troutman, who is still looking forward to the spring. “Definitely the chance and opportunity to play games again and seeing how well all the time and effort we have put into the fall shows in the spring. Also, I’m looking forward to seeing how the freshmen are in a college game because they have been clicking really well with our team.”
There is much to look forward to for this team, and it should be exciting to watch them as the year goes on.
