On March 11, 2020, Worcester State suspended all spring sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic, not knowing how much was going to change in the coming weeks. Now, a little over a year later, two more seasons of sports have been canceled but strides back to normalcy are beginning.

In January, John P. Brissette Court in the Wellness Center at Worcester State was selected as the first regional vaccination site in Central Massachusetts. After a year of so much loss, Worcester State and its student-athletes have the opportunity to be a part of something that will get everyone back doing the things they love. 

Senior men’s ice hockey player Kyle Hayter (Helena, Mont.) is one of the many student-athletes volunteering in the vaccine clinic. Although he lost his final season, he is proud to be able to represent his team in the clinic while playing an active role in ensuring that his teammates get back on the ice next winter. 

Hayter also emphasized the importance of the Worcester State athletes and community finding the positives in the adversity they have all faced. “In the face of all of the challenges presented by the pandemic, the student-athletes at Worcester State have a special opportunity to contribute meaningfully towards the fight against COVID-19,” he said. “(Being a student-athlete) has taught me to find the best in every situation, and working in the vaccine clinic is one of the best things I can do for my community right now.”

The clinic has also provided hands-on experience for nursing and public health majors. Jackie Andry (Westford, Mass.), a junior on the softball team, is a nursing major at Worcester State. She jumped at the opportunity to get tangible experience in fighting the pandemic. 

Spring sports are able to compete this season after a long year without stepping onto the field. Andry said that the small sacrifices the team has had to make, like the in-game mask mandate, the lack of locker room space, and the North parking lot going offline to the Worcester State community, are well worth it to help the community get back on their feet. 

“It is crazy how full circle it is now,” Andry said. “I am putting vaccines into the arms of people a few feet away from where I am playing this season.”

Athletes have had a unique experience with the pandemic but also have played a vital role in gaining back the feeling of normalcy. Having the vaccine clinic on campus and in the Wellness Center is a constant reminder for athletes of where they have been and where they are going. 

“While I wish fall and winter athletes could have competed, it is a great feeling to have the Lancers back on the field again,” said Hayter. “I wish all our spring athletes the best of luck.” 

#WeAreWorcester

Story written by senior softball student-athlete and athletic communications intern Ally Tocman.