Photo courtesy of Sports Information
By Maddy Lanning, Staff Writer
Susquehanna athletics came to a screeching halt due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Due to the closures there were many seniors that weren’t able to finish out their spring season. Ellen Smith, a senior on the softball team, was one of the many affected.
Smith studies Creative Writing and Journalism at Susquehanna and has been on the softball team since her freshman year. For her, playing the game is something she absolutely loves.
“My years as a player obviously had its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change anything about the past few years,” Smith said.
Smith continued on to say that she was so blessed to have the opportunity to play for Susquehanna and that her fellow teammates and coaches will always hold a special place in her heart.
Sadly, however, Smith’s attitude changed a bit when asked about the sudden halt of her softball career.
“Much of this is very surreal to me,” she said, “ Not only has the season been cut short but also my career as well as my fellow seniors.”
Angry and frustrated were two words Smith used to describe what she was feeling after she learned the news of the season ending, but she also said that “there are only so many things we can control in life.”
Although the team is no longer together, Smith said they are still finding ways to connect and workout.
“Even though we aren’t together, we are still finding ways to improve,” Smith said “Whether it’s hitting off a tee or re-watching our games, our girls can’t stay still.”
For some, the end of the season meant the end of availability to resources to stay in shape for coming seasons. Smith said that the team already revamped their workout plan, it now consists of personal workout plans and softball drills. She continued to say that when the opportunity arises for the team to get back together, there will be zero hesitation and they will be hitting the diamond again.
With this being Smith’s final year at Susquehanna, there are many things she’s going to miss out on with the loss of her final weeks on campus.
“Obviously softball is a huge hurt to swallow, but other events like my own senior reading, Mr. SU and more are things I will miss,” she said.
Living in the moment is something that Smith has always done but now, she says, it truly hits home.
“It’s crazy how I thought I would have seven more weeks living with my best friends and being able to see many of the people who have impacted my college career.”
Saddened by the loss of her final moments at Susquehanna, Smith does get to leave with some awesome memories. One of her all-time favorites though was winning the conference championship in 2017.
“That feeling is honestly indescribable,” she said.
