Player Perspective – Chloe Geiger
A Journey through the Coronavirus Pandemic, through the eyes of a Student-Athlete
Houston Stars 15 Adidas
My name is Chloe Geiger, and I am a Setter/RS on 15 Adidas and I hope that I can show you my Coronavirus experience and what I am looking forward to when volleyball returns. Coronavirus has come into this world and wreaked havoc in unexpected and various ways. Everyone is experiencing a different aspect of this pandemic. I will detail my experience, what I have learned, and what I look forward to. Here we go!
So, since my school is half school and half homeschool, we have transitioned quite smoothly into homeschooling full time, almost too smoothly though. Our workload is mostly the same as the normal, non-pandemic times; some teachers have lightened the load while others expect term papers, essays, tests, quizzes, memorized speeches, projects, and now finals. However, this is expected because it is the fourth quarter. This is what we’ve been working towards all year. We should have this much work. Well, I mean, except for the fact that we are going through a pandemic. But you might wonder, “doesn’t this mean you have more time? I don’t understand.” Neither do I, but these are the conclusions that are flying around while I try and grasp them.
Last year was crazy, qualifier season in particular; We had tournaments in Orlando, then Dallas, and finally the Lone Star Qualifier with the Power League finals somewhere in there. I was tired, missing classes, and feeling overwork while having the best time ever. I was thriving. It was hard, but I was focused and determined to excel in both school and volleyball. Every minute was given to one or the other, except for my sleep time of course. Practice was when I left all the school drama, tests, and stress behind me. I would approach the court and forget about it and play the sport I love. However, this season I don’t have that. Since I partially homeschool, home has always been a place for school. All my books are available and in my presence. So when I have a busy schedule, instead of working on school then playing volleyball guiltlessly, I attempt to fill my volleyball time with taking a break, but then I feel guilty because I know I should be studying and using my time better and working towards a goal.
During this pandemic, I don’t have volleyball or any other outlet which might distract me from the stress and responsibilities. And, on top of this, I can’t see my friends in person. I didn’t realize what a difference it was seeing my teammates face to face, rather than over FaceTime until we didn’t have face to face interactions. I enjoyed the FaceTime meetings tremendously, but when all twelve of us are back together and striving for a goal, in each other’s presence will satisfy my longing far more than anything virtual can. Volleyball and scheduled practices are my light at the end of the tunnel. I am able to catch that faint glimmer of hope seen with tournaments being rescheduled and even beach practices starting.
Now, I have learned that volleyball not only gives my closest friends and me an opportunity to strive for a goal together, but it also keeps me focused by allowing my time at home to be spent in reaching one goal, while my time at practice helps me reach another goal. Then, I don’t feel guilty for any unproductive time. I am looking forward to that time again not only for the reasons explained but I look forward to that first pre-match huddle, that first ace, that first kill, that first celebration. It will be sweeter knowing that we survived the Covid struggles.