California Baptist University

Maintaining the Momentu m Y ears of dedication and work ground to a halt when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Af ter playing soccer for California Baptist Uni versity for three years, senior exercise science major Amy Aquino was prepared to enter her senior sea son when the unexpected occurred. Amy Aquino strives to excel in final year

Her story is like that of many other athletes. Aquino, in her last year in school, has played soccer for 15 years. While fall 2020 was meant to be her final season as a student athlete, COVID-19 meant different plans. The CBU women’s soccer team’s 2020 fall season was postponed. Senior athletes faced the harsh reality that their final season would not be normal, if it were to happen at all. This was not how they expected to conclude their time play ing the sport that they dedicated their lives to. Amid all of the changes CBU has had to endure during this COVID-19 season, sports such as soc cer have adapted to different training schedules. “This year, under these circumstances, our team is lucky enough to practice four times a week with the coaches and our strength and conditioning trainer,” Aquino says. However, even with the ability to train, Aquino says this abruptly changed season has not only af fected her body as an athlete but also her mental ity toward the training, since she would be missing the usual highlights of senior year. However, Aquino says practicing with her team and a new perspective motivates her to give her best to the sport. “Training with the team has been a good team bonding experience, which helps a lot to take our minds off what season we could have been having,” Aquino says. “This semester God has really led me to the mindset that I can make my own plans, but he directs my path. I had to let go of the what if ’s and start enjoying what was going on around me in the present, which was my friendships on the team and the limited time I have with them. It made me realize I’m so blessed to be a part of such an amazing group of girls I can call my family.”

TEAM PRACTICE ( ABOVE ) Amy Aquino blocks Taylor Summit, freshman psychology major in a practice game. HEADBUTT GOALS Aquino headbutts the ball on Amy Kirk, junior health science major, in an attempt to score a goal. Through the trials Aquino has faced, she has been able to adapt and find joy in the circumstances that were given to her. While this may not be the season they wanted mentally challenging, the wom en’s soccer team was able to come together as a fam ily, so they do not have to face this year alone.