In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, fall sports at Sequoyah have successfully started their seasons with limited restrictions to keep all players and fans safe. For the volleyball team, however, the effects of the virus have reached many of the players.  

Sophomore Skylar Martin, the team’s starting libero, was one of the athletes who endured its effects. Although she was not diagnosed with the virus, she was forced to miss some practices and playing time.  

“I did not test positive for the virus, [but] I was quarantined for 10 days,” Martin said.  

There were clearly many disadvantages for Martin while she was out of school and practice; however, she found a way to benefit from her time off and stay active.  

“I missed seeing the team and not being able to play with them,” Martin said. “It was hard watching the team and not being able to talk about strategy [with them while] seeing what was open on the court. Although it was hard not playing for over a week, it was beneficial to see what the team needed to work on. I was able to look at our game with a different viewpoint than what I had before.” 

Senior Paige Powers, another starter for the team, also missed some time earlier this season due to the virus. For Powers, the time off was a setback and had few positive effects for her.

“It took me a little bit to get back into it,” Powers said. “Our team really struggled with 3 of our starters missing.” 

The quarantine left Powers out of rhythm and routine, yet she learned how to keep herself busy. Her time off allowed her to view the team’s performance from from off the court, increasing her knowledge of the game.  

“[Coach Edwards] didn’t send me any drills to do, but he had me communicating with my team constantly and doing what I could from home,” Powers said. “I worked on doing my schoolwork, and I worked out with my dad every day. Other than that, there wasn’t really much [that was] beneficial about me being quarantined except I got to see what it was like on the outside and found ways to help my team without physically being there.” 

Sophomore Rosa Fisher missed quality court time after being exposed to the virus in class. For Fisher, she found a way to still get the work in.  

“I practiced with my sister using the net at my house and worked out every morning,” Fisher said. “Missing games and practices allowed me to catch up or get ahead on school–work, but I hate missing.” 

Although she had some resources, Fisher missed out on some crucial practice time, and she was away from the close relationships that she has built with her teammates.  

“I missed good games and reps where I could be getting better,” Fisher said. “I also just hate being away from my team and not [being] in the gym.” 

Although many players have missed time away from their sports, fall sports got to begin their seasons with very few restrictions. The volleyball team has been able to make a strong comeback from Coronavirus quarantines.