MILWAUKEE – The 2020 Mount Mary University softball season has been officially canceled. The difficult decision was made officially by the administration and coaching staff last week.
"In response to the progressive nature of the COVID-19 situation, Mount Mary University has decided to end all competition for the remainder of the academic year," stated Mount Mary University Director of Athletics Natalie Balleto (Wildes). "As difficult of a decision this was, we believe following the recommendations of the CDC is in the best interest of our coaches and student-athletes. As many institutions across the United States have followed suite [sic] with these recommendations, still our student-athletes and coaches are deeply saddened by the abrupt end of their seasons. We continue to pray for the health and safety of all those impacted by COVID-19 and all the coaches and student-athletes during this very difficult time."
After three days of their nine-day journey during the spring trip, the Blue Angels returned home among the growing nation-wide health concerns. With many NCAA institutions canceling their entire spring seasons in all sanctioned sports, the Blue Angels were left with less and less available opponents in the event that the current national and state gathering restrictions were lifted in time for the season's end.
"Our season ending early is extremely disappointing," said Mount Mary University Head Softball Coach Perry Clark. "The seniors have been through an awful lot after their freshman year: a new head coach, half of their freshman class not returning, the loss of my wife (aka Mrs. Coach), and now this."
While the hardship of the student-athletes and coaches is growing, in an effort to help curb the loss of eligibility of the student-athletes, the NCAA has passed the following actions on student-athletes' season of participation:
| [The NCAA has…] Approved a blanket waiver for all student-athletes participating in spring sports as follows: (a) Waive the use of a season of participation for all student-athletes in spring sports. If an institution continues or re-starts its season, this relief would still exist; and (b) Waive the use of the spring semester towards their limit of 10 semesters/15 quarters, regardless of whether they used a season. (NCAA COVID-19 Resource) |
While not all student-athletes will be able to utilize the waiver, the option is open for the spring-sport student-athletes.
"What gives me hope about the future," coach Perry added. "… is the resilience they have shown through tough times. Sports gives us the opportunity to teach life lessons and I would say this team gets an 'A+.' They are my family and I sure miss seeing my family everyday."
Continue to check back to MtMaryAthletics.com for updates and news for all the Blue Angels. Stay safe!
