Last week, the Southwest Preparatory Conference had ultimately decided to cancel spring sports for the remainder of the 2020 school year. It wasn't much of a shock to hear the news as major events are being cancelled left and right worldwide.
This all just doesn't feel real yet. As for me personally, Episcopal softball is still chasing the 4-peat. The training and grind during this quarantine wasn't meant for all of this to end just like that. So what now?
I am just a junior but I too have been impacted. Coming from an injury and being out a portion of the season we managed to have, it is one of the worst feelings not being able to play on the field again this year. My heart goes out to all of the seniors playing spring sports, especially the ones I have had the privilege to play on the field for my three years at Episcopal high school.
I got to interview Lexi Sagers, Julia Toups, two of our three seniors to ask them what senior year meant to them. Here are some of their thoughts about reflecting over a season that ended too soon and their years playing for Episcopal.
What was the immediate reaction/thought you had hearing that SPC was getting cancelled?
Sagers - "When I first read the email, I didn't really know what to think. I knew it would only be a matter of time before we got the email, but this is something you can't really prepare for. I continuously waited and got my hopes up, only for the season to be over so soon."
Toups - "I was in shock like I didn't know what to feel. You spend four years on this team and your last year was just kind of taken away from you and that's that. And just like that, It's all over.
Having been in the program for so long, what have these four years meant to you playing for EHS?
Sagers - "These four years playing at EHS has not only made me a better player, but a better woman. I want to thank every single one of the people who took time out to coach me. To my teammates I love y'all forever. We have created bonds and memories that are unbreakable."
Toups - "These four years have meant the world to me. Being able to play with some of your best friends on a team that loves being together and playing together means a lot, it's something that brings happiness just reflecting back on. I will never forget all the teammates I've had and winning SPC together. #rip4peat."
With the senior season coming to an end so soon, what do you wish to pass onto the classes behind you for the program?
Sagers - "I hope to pass on the many important traditions that Episcopal High School does. To pregame warmups, hookups, to never stepping on the line, to hacky sack before the games, it was the little things that counted. EHS softball is a great community filled with even better people."
Toups - "I wish the juniors this year will take with them next year what it means to be a leader. How to lead a team to SPC, even though we weren't able to do that this year, and to not take their last season for granted even if it's in the beginning."
To my seniors Lexi, Julia, and Ka'Lyn; it has been quite the ride with all of you. All three of you have helped me grow as a player and especially as a person. The bonds I've created with you throughout the years will carry on. Thank you for a lifetime of memories.