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Recruited athletes adapt to fall sports cancellations

By Keirah Chen Oct. 14, 2020

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Calif. Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has decided to postpone the fall sports seasons of Calif. high schools. For student athletes who hope to play at the next level, the lost exposure may present difficulties for catching the attention of college coaches.

According to Athletic Director Mike

Julia Saunicheva '22 Sparrer, football, field hockey and

cross country have been postponed to spring for the time being. However, start dates for activities like cheer, which usually takes place in fall and winter, have yet to be decided. Moreover, students who planned to participate in both fall and winter sports may be forced to choose one over the other.


“It will not be easy from a logistical or physical standpoint for students to play two sports in one season, especially without preseason training due to COVID-19. Coaches and parents will need to coordinate with great detail to make this happen,” Sparrer said.


For athletes relying on school sports for college recruitment, the cancellation of the fall season and uncertainty towards the spring may prove to be detrimental. Sparrer suggests that these prospective college athletes research different colleges, attend reputable camps and contact coaching staff.


“Stay in shape to the best of your ability and as soon as colleges open up, attend as many events as you can with teams outside of the school. Take this time to research the appropriate schools for your playing ability. Make sure they also fit your social, academic and cultural interests,” Sparrer said.


For athletes already committed to a college team, fall cancellation poses different sets of challenges. Julia Saunicheva ‘22, a University of Calif. Los Angeles (UCLA) women’s soccer commit, has stayed in shape by working out with teammates from her club team. In addition to individual cardio exercises, she practices dribbling and other skills on the field. Though she has not been able to see her UCLA teammates since January, they socialize and workout through Zoom.


“Even with the cancellation of the season, my teammates and I attempt to stay motivated. It is difficult to maintain enthusiasm when you cannot train with friends, but all we can do right now is to keep doing the best we can,” Saunicheva said.

Rebecca Womer ‘21, a women’s soccer commit to the University of Georgia, has spoken with her head coach about the next season and is Rebecca Womer '21

continuing to train with her own

routine, mainly focusing on footwork due to the lack of proper space. Her college team has continued to hold conferences for recruited players and is starting to plan for the upcoming season this fall. “Everyone on my team is disappointed, but we are keeping our fingers crossed for one last winter or spring season before we graduate,” Womer said.


Picture Credits: Rex Li Photo (Top), Yewon Lee Photo (Bottom)

 

About the Contributor

Keirah Chen

Staff Writer


Keirah Chen is a sophomore at Leland high school and is a staff writer. She likes going places with friends and watching horror movies.

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