After a two week pause of athletics, “outdoor intermediate-risk fall sports,” and, “outdoor low-risk sports,” are to resume the week beginning on Feb. 15, wrote Dean of Students Shannon Dycus in a campus-wide email. This decision is included in the first of three phases to gradually lift restrictive policies on campus. 

Student-athletes reacted to the pause in different ways. “I was scared about going on a pause just because, what if we never come off the pause?” said junior field hockey and softball player Brandy Troutman. 

Senior baseball player Correy Willis stated, “I’m disappointed that we don’t get to play, but we need to do what’s best for everyone.” 

First-year women’s soccer player Maria Bettilyon said, “I just did not want to stop playing soccer. It felt like we were going to be unprepared for the season.”

Director of Athletics Dave King said that pausing athletics, “was a total picture decision, more than just athletics.” King said, “The whole campus need[ed] to do something, because we [were] nearing our capacity of quarantine spaces.” 

Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach Katie Russo remarked, “I am definitely pleased with how the university handled everything. At the end of the day, I think everyone is doing the best they can.” In addition to athletics, all classes and in-person campus activities moved online during the pause. 

Many student-athletes are ready to resume play. Willis remarked, “I am hoping for a great season ahead. I’m excited to chase a championship with my team.” 

Troutman said, “I have that urge to play, no matter what. My urge to play is way stronger than my concerns.” 

Bettilyon said she is excited, “to actually get to play soccer!” Willis, Troutman, and Bettilyon all expressed eagerness to bond with their teammates when practices begin again. 

Russo said that her team, “is ready for anything.” Entering their second season of competition, the EMU Women’s Lacrosse team is grateful for any opportunity to be together on the field. “From the perspective of a spring athlete who lost everything last year, they [would be] grateful just to get one game,” said Russo. The team’s first of nine games is scheduled for March 24.