By J1 Reporter Sophia Simmons

Due to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, Marian’s tennis season, like all other organized spring sports across the country, has been cut short. Not only will the tennis team miss playing competitively for Marian, they will miss the team experience. 

“Tennis is the sport I love, but I will never get to play on the Marian tennis team again,” senior Gaby Watton said.

The girls trained all year long through private lessons, clinics and conditioning to strengthen their bodies and skills. The team finished their tryouts the week of March 2-6. The next week led to spring break, and the season would have begun officially after that. On March 12, the team members received an email from Varsity Coach Steve Bischof stating that all competitions and practices would be postponed until later notice due to COVID-19. The NSAA released on April 2 that all spring sports are officially cancelled. Bischof said, “During the past 45 tennis seasons, I have always checked the weather forecast to see if we have to postpone practices or matches. This spring I checked the news to see if COVID-19 cases had increased overnight.” 

 Although the season is cancelled, Bischof has not given up his efforts to help his players improve. He often sends out tennis strategy puzzles for the team to strengthen their brains for the mental side of tennis as well as tips to overcome mental adversity in a game. 

Lauren Barefoot, Marian’s Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, creates home workouts for the girls to stay in shape. Although tennis can be played individually, the girls will miss the team aspect. 

“I miss all the bonds that we made and how close we all became,”  junior Paige Foley said.

This unexpected catastrophe has left the team frustrated, especially the seniors. Although it is upsetting, the team has remained positive and understanding. 

“Although our season has ended, we have to remember that people are in harsher situations,” senior Lucy O’Brien said.  “So I am just trying to remember that we should feel blessed for our health and realize this is the best thing for everyone right now.” 

Bischof summed it up perfectly. He said, “We missed our season. But missing a season pales when we think of the challenges we are facing in our school, city, state, nation and the world.”