Discomfort and uncertainty are quite normalized and universal feelings as we all continue to practice social distancing in light of COVID-19. For student-athletes, quarantine has meant individual workouts and accountability through Teambuildr or weekly Zoom meetings. While the women’s soccer program is no exception to these adjustments, we are also undergoing a change in coaching staff. Our fall season is as unclear and ambiguous as it can get. During this week’s Zoom meeting, we had the privilege to listen and engage with Amanda Pelkey, an Olympic gold medalist and team member of the U.S. women’s national hockey team.  Amanda showed us that while the future of our country, and, respectfully, our soccer program is unclear, we are still able to refocus and train our mindset to support a proactive team culture in light of our upcoming season.

The most underlying and prevalent lesson that Amanda relayed to us can be reflected through the quote “pressure is a privilege.” This message challenges us to look at an event that induces fear as rather an opportunity to revel and grow in. Instead of being overwhelmed or controlled by the nature of discomfort, we should find opportunity and excitement in a platform that challenges our mental strength or physical abilities. Times that are unprecedented or call into question our abilities warrant a reaction of a similar principle: creativity. When fear impedes or threatens to steer our wheel, let creativity and discipline take precedence. Student-athletes of a team sport understand that while there are physical incapacities faced during self-isolation, however, they must also seek alternative ways to serve the growth of their teammates and program. Amanda explained the power and importance in staying unified. If there is one thing that I’ve learned during this pandemic, it is that the harm or struggle posed to one person is a harm to the rest of us. As a member of a team, we similarly see our strength within our weakest link. COVID-19 has provided us with an opportunity to live and learn individually, but a more important role in helping and supporting others as well. The difference between winning as an individual and winning a team is that as a team we are able to accomplish our goal collectively. Trust allows us to work hard and trust our teammates to do so as well. In times of doubt or missed potential, such as during a pandemic or after a disappointing outcome, teammates are there to work harder and make up for where there is lack somewhere else.

Amanda also reminded us that in order to be a racehorse, you have to train with the stallions. Right now, we can’t train together or push each other in the weight room. However, we can communicate and hold each other accountable. Furthermore, we must adjust our behaviors and understand the importance of communication in building and supporting a team culture during this pandemic. Communication is the most remarkable and powerful quality that humans have developed during our time on earth. We must find motivation within ourselves, and communicate this energy to create a chain reaction towards collective growth. Amanda challenged us to journal our feelings and share these thoughts with our teammates to be inspired and motivated on a vulnerable level. Putting a label on emotions allows you to trust yourself and your process. Sharing these emotions allows you to trust yourself and hold your teammates accountable at the same time.

Lastly, what held strongly amongst our team is what Amanda referred to as the “performance gap”: the difference between our current abilities and what we are capable of at the most optimal and greatest potential. There is always a performance gap for any player or team, and culture shocks arise when individuals think and act as if they don’t see or trust in this growth. As uncertainty wears at our core during this pandemic and our search for a new coaching staff, being mindful of this gap is so important. Our team understands that there is always room for improvement, and this duality of ambiguity reminds us of where we want to be at the end of this road. Trusting ourselves as individuals, and then as teammates, to experience and take on this performance gap is the first step to this adjustment process.

It’s easy to get caught up in the individual success and effort we contribute to our teams. I hope that during this pandemic we are all able to understand the power of a team and the importance of a beginner’s mindset. When we are unified, we are able to overcome and accomplish any goal at hand even during a pandemic. With a beginner’s mindset, we are able to crave and see hope in new opportunities and discomfort. The strength of teamsmanship and trust will outweigh the unpredictable and questionable course that we may continue to face. We must use this pandemic as a symbol and trial of not only our individual abilities, but our collective strengths to catalyze change and growth in our upcoming seasons.

-- by Sabrina Salov '22