North Carolina State University Athletics
Photo by: Jaylynn Nash LLC
Pack Perspective - Mia Thillet
10/8/2020 10:51:00 AM | Women's Soccer
*Editor's Note: Due to a depleted roster as an indirect impact of COVID-19, NC State women's soccer opted out of the 2020 season in August. The following is a piece written by junior Mia Thillet on the perspective that she and the team have had through these unprecedented times.*
On August 31st, NC State Women's Soccer announced to the world that we would not be participating in a fall season because of the indirect impact of COVID-19 on our roster size. A few days prior to that, our coach, Tim Santoro, called for a team meeting over Zoom to break the news to us. I remember staring at my computer screen and watching as the disappointment spread across the little boxes that digitally housed my teammates. It was heartbreaking knowing that we would have to watch as the majority of the teams in our conference restored some semblance of normalcy and got to compete. We were essentially being relegated to the sidelines, and as athletes that thrive on competition and playing the game, this was a reality that was difficult to contend with.
There was, however, a considerable silver lining in the fact that we were allowed to remain on campus and continue practicing together as a team. I cannot begin to say how grateful I am that we have been able to keep training throughout this time. However tough this season has been and regardless of the challenges that we have had to deal with, having practice and being able to connect with each other on a daily basis has been a huge positive.
One of the biggest themes of this season for us has been perspective. It's certainly difficult to live through a months-long stay-at-home order without gaining some perspective through the experience. As disappointing as it was to hear that we would not be competing this fall, it was difficult for any of us to deny the reality of our team's situation. Several of our international players were unable to travel back into the country and this, compounded by a few injuries during preseason, really depleted our roster size. Facing an elite ACC team with such a small roster week in and week out would have been a near impossibility.
I think the fact that we were able to understand this perspective from pretty early on has helped us make the best of this season and focus on the opportunities we do have. Additionally, our small roster size has allowed us to all grow closer together and connect with each other on a deeper level. Living through these crazy times and being able to lean on each other has really strengthened our team chemistry, and I know I will always care for and appreciate these girls.
If there is one thing I would want the world to know about Pack Women's Soccer, it is that we are undeniably resilient. During my freshman year, we got to travel to California to play in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. When game day came around, we ended up having to walk a significant portion of the way to UCLA's campus from our hotel because our bus broke down. In true "Pack" fashion we busted out our speakers, had an impromptu dance party and marched through the busy streets of Los Angeles ready to face any situation head-on. We won that game in penalty kicks because of our grit, determined spirit, commitment to each other, and our ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Likewise, we will face all the unprecedented circumstances that this pandemic and fall season have to offer and be stronger because of it.
-Mia Thillet
On August 31st, NC State Women's Soccer announced to the world that we would not be participating in a fall season because of the indirect impact of COVID-19 on our roster size. A few days prior to that, our coach, Tim Santoro, called for a team meeting over Zoom to break the news to us. I remember staring at my computer screen and watching as the disappointment spread across the little boxes that digitally housed my teammates. It was heartbreaking knowing that we would have to watch as the majority of the teams in our conference restored some semblance of normalcy and got to compete. We were essentially being relegated to the sidelines, and as athletes that thrive on competition and playing the game, this was a reality that was difficult to contend with.
There was, however, a considerable silver lining in the fact that we were allowed to remain on campus and continue practicing together as a team. I cannot begin to say how grateful I am that we have been able to keep training throughout this time. However tough this season has been and regardless of the challenges that we have had to deal with, having practice and being able to connect with each other on a daily basis has been a huge positive.
One of the biggest themes of this season for us has been perspective. It's certainly difficult to live through a months-long stay-at-home order without gaining some perspective through the experience. As disappointing as it was to hear that we would not be competing this fall, it was difficult for any of us to deny the reality of our team's situation. Several of our international players were unable to travel back into the country and this, compounded by a few injuries during preseason, really depleted our roster size. Facing an elite ACC team with such a small roster week in and week out would have been a near impossibility.
I think the fact that we were able to understand this perspective from pretty early on has helped us make the best of this season and focus on the opportunities we do have. Additionally, our small roster size has allowed us to all grow closer together and connect with each other on a deeper level. Living through these crazy times and being able to lean on each other has really strengthened our team chemistry, and I know I will always care for and appreciate these girls.
If there is one thing I would want the world to know about Pack Women's Soccer, it is that we are undeniably resilient. During my freshman year, we got to travel to California to play in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. When game day came around, we ended up having to walk a significant portion of the way to UCLA's campus from our hotel because our bus broke down. In true "Pack" fashion we busted out our speakers, had an impromptu dance party and marched through the busy streets of Los Angeles ready to face any situation head-on. We won that game in penalty kicks because of our grit, determined spirit, commitment to each other, and our ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Likewise, we will face all the unprecedented circumstances that this pandemic and fall season have to offer and be stronger because of it.
-Mia Thillet
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