Members of the
OVC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recently had a virtual meeting to discuss items that were impacting student-athletes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the meeting the group discussed how they are engaging with their teammates, how they are doing course work remotely, what they have learned during social distancing and what they miss the most about being on campus.
We will be sharing some of the answers to those questions over the next several weeks. Our first features come from Austin Peay softball student-athlete
Emily Moore. Emily is a utility player from Parker, Colorado who has played in more than 150 games during her career.
What has been a pleasant surprise about your current situation learning and engaging remotely?
"Having to be creative in the ways that we stay connected with our teams. My team has study hall twice a week and a team meeting once a week, all through Zoom. We have done several bonding activities, including pairing up and learning about each other's families. We then present it to the team through a slideshow or video. It has been a really cool way to get to know my teammates in ways that might not have ever been shown had we not been at home with our families."
What is one tip you have learned to successfully complete your academic work remotely?
"I make a list of everything I need to complete each week and check it off as I go. It helps me stay organized and actually see what I need to get done."
What have you done to keep a positive attitude during our social distancing?
"Control what I can control and enjoy the little things. Enjoy my time with family and stay connected with my team daily. Moving around and staying active really helps me keep a positive attitude as well -- it just makes me feel better physically and mentally."
What have you learned about yourself in this time of adversity?
"I have learned that it is so easy to take things for granted. I have gained a whole new perspective through this time of adversity and I'm working on enjoying where I am and living in the moment -- making the most of my time, not wishing it away and wasting the wait. You never know when something can end or be taken away, so I am learning to be more grateful and not so uptight. Like I said, just enjoying the ride and taking every moment as it comes."
What have you missed most about not being on campus this spring?
"I miss being around my team and having that face to face interaction with them. They are such a fun group and not only do I miss playing with them, but I miss all the little mindless moments with them throughout the day."
Emily was also the feature of Austin Peay's "Corona Can't Stop Us" video interview feature. Check it out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrwka3GGz5s.