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Dear Editor:
This winter sports season is not what I envisioned it to be after having a successful fall sports season during covid. The administration and athletic director allowed us to have a successful volleyball season while also remaining safe and healthy as we did it. Not only were masks required, but we also made sure to be disinfecting balls, bleachers, and anything else that needed to be in between games and practices. There were also staggered times for practices and games. I really do believe that the way our fall seasons were handled, shows that winter seasons can be played safely also.
As many people know, basketball is one of my biggest joys in life. The gym has always been my place to get away, release stress, and just play the game. I do believe that I am not the only one in this position. Sports in general have health benefits, not only physically but mentally also. Having this pandemic, people have been isolated and haven't been getting as much physical activity as they have been pre-covid. All winter sports will help in that sense in being able to provide that physical activity that some have been lacking in. Especially in the winter months when people can't get outside and season depression is at its peak. Now not only in this physical sense, but there is a mental side to it as well. Sports provide a social construct and interaction which is so necessary in our lives, especially in the ongoing pandemic. Not being able to see my friends and family as much has definitely taken a toll on my mental health. My friends and family are also one of the biggest joys in my life.
As we look around, we can see many other schools that have started their seasons. Not only has the rest of our conference started, but you can also see many surrounding schools that have. Now seeing these other schools and looking back on our successful fall seasons, I do believe that all of this shows the measure us as athletes are willing to take just to play and play safely. I do also believe that being virtual can also help in limiting exposure and assist us in being successful. We know that the covid issues will always be there. We know we might not participate if there is a positive case, but we also know many athletes have had covid and are immune for the next couple months. Therefore, if given the chance to play, the rules and guidelines set must be followed, and I am telling you all that us athletes are willing to do that and anything else we can.
As Nelson Mandela once said: "Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does." and this is what we need in this pandemic.
Olivia Argall
Dodgeville, WI