Loss. 

It’s inevitable, but its pain lingers nonetheless. In sports, losing is common. But not only did the Quinnipiac University women’s softball team lose their 2020 season due to COVID-19 – they lost out on memories that weren’t made. 

This type of loss is something that only this year’s athletes are able to empathize with. This loss doesn’t only affect the players, but also the coaches and anyone else who wanted to see the team play. 

Head coach Hillary Smith explained how the coronavirus impacted her and her team, and recalled the heartbreaking moment she had to tell her players the season was cancelled.

“My heart really hurt,” Smith said. “Just because I felt like as a team we were finally getting to where we wanted to be. It took a little while, but we were right where we were supposed to be. It really hit home.” 

“I knew I had to be the one to tell them the news. I didn’t want them to hear it from their friends or online.”

Despite the pain she personally felt, Smith gave her players a message of hope. 

“I cried when I told them the news. But I made sure to go around and give everyone a hug because I felt for them.”

Due to the coronavirus, Smith and her players have been home and adjusting to their lives without softball. For Smith, that includes spending time with her family in Florida, walks with her son, and coloring to express her creativity. Adapting to the situation has been difficult, but they are thankful that everyone they know is safe and healthy. 

What really matters to the team is their ability to be together during this challenging time – even if it’s virtually.  

“We try to meet all together at least once a week and do team meetings,” Smith said. “(The team) even did a zoom nutritional cooking class, which was really cool.” 

As of late, Smith has been focusing on keeping a healthy mind – not just for her, but for her players too. 

“I think mental health is really important right now, as well as making sure (the players) feel as if they still have softball all around them,” Smith said. “It’s because that’s what they’ve been used to since they were little girls. They’re not used to not having softball right now”  

“I think that it is important that we are always talking with one another and being there so they know that softball is still around,” Smith added. 

For next season, Smith continues to keep the team’s focus the same: to learn from the past and get better. 

“Our goals are just to keep building from where we are at,” Smith said.

 “We have been building a championship culture and a championship mindset. That’s the most important thing.”