Another in a series, we check in with Brandeis student-athletes about how they've handled the unique situations presented by the spring and summer of 2020. 

Katherine Puda '21 has been a stalwart reserve guard for the women's basketball team, playing in 73 of a possible 75 games in her career. Kat has averaged just over six points and nearly three rebounds per game in her career. In addition, she's been a model employee for the athletic department, helping out as an intramural coordinator and an intern for sports information and the senior associate athletic director while double majoring in HSSP and psychology.

How did your classes go last semester? Did you do well with virtual learning?

I had my best semester academically despite the sudden and unanticipated changes. Still, I found the virtual learning portion difficult, especially being at home with limited Wifi and everyone in the family home. With all 5 of us working remotely or taking classes, the WIFI often cut out and it was difficult to be productive at any point during the day. My sister and I did make daily coffee runs to Dunkin, so that definitely helped keep our focus!

How did you spend your free time?

I spent my free time spending time with my family. Playing a winter sport at school, we usually don't get more than a week at home for winter break, and I spend my summers working at the Cape, so I had not been home with my family for over 8 days consecutively since I was a senior in high school. Though I missed my friends and my teammates, it was a hidden gift to spend so much time with my parents, siblings, and dog. We cooked many fantastic meals together and would watch family movies almost every night.

What's the best movie or show you saw? 

The best show I saw was New Girl on Netflix. People always recommended it to me but I never had time to watch the whole thing until quarantine. I'm so glad I did watch it, because it was so funny and is now one of my favorite shows of all time!

What's something you didn't expect to like that you did?

Something I didn't expect to like was cooking. Prior to quarantine, I wasn't able to cook much more than eggs and pasta, but the time at home gave me a lot of time to learn how to chef it up with my mom and my grandmother. They both taught me all their secrets and famous dishes, and I actually love it now.

How have you kept engaged with your coaches and teammates?

My team is incredibly close, and one way that we have kept in contact is through Zoom sessions. It makes my day to see their faces even if it's virtually. I also know that if I group FaceTime the group chat that at least one person will always answer and make me laugh. I find myself laughing pretty much all the time with my team, and that has been one major thing to keep my spirits up during the pandemic.

How have you kept in shape for your sport?

To keep in basketball shape I've done a variety of different things since gyms have not been open. Jay's lifts on TeamBuildr have helped a lot and I do a lot of bodyweight workouts as well. In May I moved down to the Cape for the summer, and here I enjoy runs by the beach and the bike trail.

What's the first thing you want to do when you get back onto campus?

The first thing I want to do when I'm back on campus is see my whole team in person for a BWB reunion. If I could choose the one thing that I miss most about school, it's easily them.