JSU student athletes manage virtual learning and preparing for sports seasons

By Logan Bowers
MC301 Contributor

The coronavirus pandemic has affected athletes and fans all over the United States. Seasons have been postponed, student athletes have resorted to virtual learning, and fans are unsure about what is next for their favorite teams.

As many student athletes are taking online courses during the fall 2020 semester, they are also continuing to stay in shape and prepare for their upcoming spring 2021 seasons.

Joshua Rice, a junior wide receiver on the Jackson State football team and psychology major from Chicago, Ill., said that he has been working out every day and staying on top of his courses.

“During the pandemic, I’ve been working out with my private coach back home. We figured out what my weaknesses were as a wide receiver and we have been working hard to correct them,” said Rice. “On top of that, I’ve managed school pretty well. I log on to Canvas every day to check what assignments are due that week. More importantly, I’ve been praying and asking God to guide me through it all.”

Football is not the only sport that was affected by the pandemic; the Jackson State Women’s Volleyball team also had their season postponed. Sapphire Simpson, a senior volleyball player and accounting major from Decatur, Ga., said that she has been managing school and preparation by finishing homework early in order to clear her schedule as she prepares for her final season.

“I’ve been logging into Canvas and finishing my school work as early as I can. If I don’t stay on top of my work like this, I tend to procrastinate. I also work so I have to make sure I’m not playing catch-up on my school-work while on the job,” said Simpson. “As for volleyball, I’ve been working out in the mornings and playing pick-up games, as well as some hiking for extra cardio.”

Lyndsey Bonds, a junior biology major and member of the Jackson State Women’s Soccer team from Indianapolis, Ind., said that she has been doing her tasks in a way that suits her.

“I have created my own schedule for this semester in order to manage my school work and my athletic training. I exercise in the mornings; similar to how it is when we are on campus. I usually do my school-work at night, as that is when I tend to do my best work,” said Bonds. “As far as on field training, it’s harder to train because I’m not in ‘team setting’ with my coaches and teammates who can encourage me. All I can really do in that sense is try my best to prepare for anything and everything that can happen on the pitch.”