Nothing is Normal About The New Normal Today But the Lady Bobcats Show Signs of Hope
Paul Smiths, NY- The new normal has postponements and cancellations in place of set schedules here. Gone are the days of a crowded sideline and players hugging in groups after a goal, but at least competitive games in NEW YORK still are upon us. After coming off a strong 2019-2020 season, winning the last four out of six games, including a a clutch playoff win leading them to final four appearance, Lady Bobcats were faced with some new tough challenges as "Coronavirus" erupted throughout America, leaving all programs in a big dilemma regarding the season, and how tightly its hanging by the thread. Unfortunately, the YSCC had no choice but to cancel all competition for the 2020-2021 fall season, as many pray and remain optimistic to have the potential of playing in the spring. The team’s goal is to stay healthy, play as one, get better every day.
SIGNS OF HOPE YOU SAY? While practicing only three times a week to help prevent sickness, Lady Bobcats do a great job with social distancing and finding spectacular ways to achieve better skillsets on and off the field. Activities such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and running seems to be a typical norm that keeps the chemistry going for this group of young talented individuals.
"It has brought comfort of being able to be active and doing something special now with COVID-19 going on. Soccer at PSC during this moment in time seems to be the only thing that seems familiar". Says Anne Dehaven, rising star junior forward captain from Orchard Park, NY who came off a killer season last year earning her first all-conference team slot. When asking head coach, Bailey Waterbury about remaining locked in during COVID-19 she had plenty to say. "I feel very fortunate to be able to continue to safely practice with our team here at PSC. I am grateful that our institution sees the value in our student athletes being active outside while following safety protocols. While our season has been cancelled regarding games, we are still pushing forward with training and inner-squad scrimmages. I am enjoying getting to bond and spend more time doing non soccer related activities with our girls this year. Our practices have been more relaxed and ironically some of my players are playing the best soccer I have seen from them." Coach Waterbury has done a phenomenal job so far here at Paul Smith's College, by leading the charge for her players. Coach Waterbury's mission is to empower them on and off the field. She genuinely strives to bring out their best qualities and offerings for the world and hopes to enhance their love for the game.
About Paul Smith’s College
At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. We are the only four-year institution of higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs – in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences – draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. For more information, visit paulsmiths.edu.
Written by: Sterling Scott