This feature appeared in the 2021 Winter Edition of the Millsaps Magazine. Picture on cover photo: Millsaps head baseball coach Jim Page and 2021 graduate Keaton Page.

JACKSON, Miss. – In sports, as in life, there are the highs of big wins and the lows of heartbreaking defeats. When the world was halted by the COVID-19 virus in the spring of 2020, sports and life began to ride a similar rollercoaster of emotions together.

In an instant, collegiate and professional sports were quick to respond with action, but with a cloud of disbelief, sadness and hints of fear as spring seasons were cut short last year. The season turned into a waiting game of both uncertainty and watching the clock for a return to play.

On March 12, 2020, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the soon-to-be-held March Madness bas- ketball tournament as well as the remaining winter and spring NCAA championships in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

At that point, it became evident that the spring sports seasons would be curtailed. Coaches across the country did everything in their power to find ways to honor their seniors, if possible. Some schools ended sports abruptly, while Millsaps and others were able to fit games in a few days after the NCAA's announcement.

"We scrambled to find opponents to get seniors last games to play," said Millsaps head softball coach Caroline DeLoach. "It didn't feel real at first, and we thought the virus would eventually go away."

Softball was fortunately able to travel to Conway, Ark. and play a final pair of games, where the efforts of the seniors from Millsaps College, Birmingham-Southern College and Hendrix College were all recognized on March 15. Millsaps baseball was hosting Berry College that week and was able to honor both sets of seniors as well. "I had several Berry parents email us saying how classy that was of Millsaps to not just recognize Millsaps' seniors but Berry's as well," said Millsaps baseball coach Jim Page. "We put in the work and we had no idea how much that meant to other people."

Coach Page garnered a unique perspective as both a coach and parent when his son's senior baseball season ended at the same time. Still, adequate advice was hard to come by.

"None of us had been through (a pandemic)," said Page. "What words could I give the team? That was a big struggle for me as a coach feeling I couldn't find the right words or an experience to base something like that on."

Coaches across the country felt the same way, but the efforts of several top decision makers, including Millsaps College President Dr. Robert Pearigen and Millsaps Director of Athletics Aaron Pelch, did not go unnoticed. The Millsaps leaders attempted to complete as much of that spring as possible and were able to give their seniors a tribute. "I think the fact that (leadership) showed they cared, the players listened and there was respect coming from that," said Page.

The next question was, when would sports return for the upcoming fall semester? The answer arrived on July 16, 2020 when the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) Presidents' Council approved the decision to move all fall sports entirely to the spring semester.

A modified schedule, featuring a condensed conference-only model was then approved on Oct. 12. All 18 Millsaps Athletics programs were officially slated to play at certain points between January and May.

While in season, student-athletes were required to be tested for COVID-19 three times a week and wear masks during indoor activities, per SAA guidelines.

The Millsaps Athletics and Millsaps College communities took it upon themselves to limit possible spreading activities with mitigation measures, which they continue to implement today.

"We definitely played that season with a lot more passion and emotion because we knew it was limited and this is what we get," said Millsaps softball infielder Brooklyn Wascom. "We had to make the most out of it, especially for those seniors."

Games could be rescheduled because of COVID-19, but this never occurred for the Majors. In total, only one athletic competition was canceled during the spring 2021 season – which was an away event.

"In our heads we just wanted to play and didn't want to miss out on that much," said Millsaps women's soccer midfielder Mattie Marks. "We just worked hard to make sure that we knew all of the rules and that we knew what we were getting into. We were just thankful to get any minutes that we could."

Today, a feeling of gratitude shines through as sports return to their proper place on the calendar. Precautions and protocols continue to be taken to keep student-athletes and fans safe, but a sense of normality is returning to fields and courts across the country. In August 2021, fall sports returned to their usual format with fewer restrictions. Fans and students are returning to the stands, while wearing masks indoors. Testing will continue for unvaccinated student-athletes for the foreseeable future.

Though things may not be completely back to normal, teams could not be more ready for a return to a full slate of games.

"I have this excited perspective as I did when I was a freshman," said Wascom, entering her senior year. "It's been so long since we had a full season, I just want to go in and get after it!"

Getting used to a complete schedule has actually been an adjustment for some upperclassmen who competed for the Majors in 2018 or 2019.

"Yeah, it's kind of weird because I almost kind of forgot what it was like," said Marks. "It's kind of like a whole new feeling; it's like everything restarted. We're all really glad though, especially with me being a senior."

All student-athletes who played or were scheduled to compete during the spring, fall and winter of 2020 were granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA. Several seniors during that period were unable to commit to another season, but had career plans or graduate school options lined up thanks to their Millsaps degrees.

A total of three Millsaps women's soccer seniors are planning to return and use their extra season of eligibility, while continuing their education at the school.

"That's also a great thing about a Millsaps education," said Page. "Our guys were already prepared. Athletics teaches that life goes on, there are bumps in the road and you fight through and some things are out of your control. I couldn't be prouder of how our team handled it."


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