Everything about athletics seems to be canceled, postponed, or modified for the foreseeable future.

Does anyone even know what’s going on these days? We sure don’t!

College sports are entering uncharted territory and navigating these uncertain times has not been easy. 

I honestly can’t even begin to imagine the hardships current student-athletes are facing today, but as a former Division I athlete, this the outlook I’d suggest taking for the next few months to make the most out of this irregular season:

Control the things you can control

Living in a pandemic is stressful because you can’t predict what’s ahead. When and how you will be able to play and even practice is out of your hands. Instead of speculating on the future, focus your energy on what you can control like your own strength and conditioning goals, an academics, or even learning a new skill or hobby that you find interesting.

Build your character

It’s said that your true character is who you are when no one is watching. In a normal year, the off-season emphasizes personal accountability because much of your physical growth depends on how dedicated you are to your summer workouts, open gyms, or pickup games when your coaches aren’t there. 

With different practice routines and canceled seasons, this time of personal responsibility and holding yourself accountable increases exponentially. Choosing to show up every day can be hard when you’re on your own, especially if you don’t know what the future holds. But doing so will only make you stronger and improve your confidence in yourself as a responsible and hardworking athlete.

Shift your goals

My goal every fall was for our team to become conference champions and ultimately to win a national title. Having this goal pulled me out of bed in the mornings and made every grueling workout or post-practice study session worthwhile.

As human beings, we NEED goals to motivate us to get things done on a day in and day out basis. Unfortunately, winning a conference title or a national championship might not be doable in 2020, which is why it’s crucial to shift and redefine our aspirations. 

If you’re having a hard time figuring out what areas of your life you should focus on, ask your coach for some suggestions. You can also connect with your teammates for ideas and start an accountability group! 

Oh yeah, you can ask The Virago Project to walk your team through a goal-setting workshop…thats an option too. 

Improve your mental game

If you can’t practice or train, it’s time to step up your mental game (honestly, you should already be working towards this).

Begin by focusing on your attitude, effort, and communication. Encourage your teammates to have a positive attitude. Put forth the extra effort to inspire your teammates to make the best of these next few months. Model open, consistent, and positive communication between you, your coaches, and other players – even if it’s through text or zoom!

If you’re an upperclassman, it’s really crucial to rise to the occasion and keep underclassmen involved however you can.

Take it easy on yourself

Finally, give yourself a little grace on the days when you just want to wallow in a little self-pity and binge some reality tv because this season may not be panning out the way you wanted it to.

But don’t go there again tomorrow.

Tomorrow, wake up and set one small goal that will improve your physical health, mental health, or your relationship with a coach or teammate – and then do it! This season doesn’t have to be a waste – take advantage of your free time and get excited for the opportunity to focus on you!