The Jefferson girls’ field hockey team started this fall season with a stronger team bond through tryouts, despite a series of obstacles including inclement weather and strict COVID-19 guidelines. Originally, the entire week from Monday, February 15th to Friday, Feb. 19th was scheduled for in-person tryouts at school. However, when Thursday unexpectedly became a snow day, the members of the field hockey team had to make a modification to their regular tryout format. 

“We had practice on Google Meet [on Thursday] because of the snow, which was an interesting experience,” sophomore Lauren Fisher said. “It was really relaxed, and we spent a lot of the time just talking, so I think it helped us have better team chemistry.”

On days where tryouts were held at school, all students took COVID-19 safety protocols seriously. Masks were required at all times, and athletes were able to complete skill work and exercises socially distanced.

“We stay[ed] 10 feet away [from other players], and we also [got] our equipment sanitized before and after practice to help stop the spread of germs,” freshman Sinead Molony said.

Regardless of having to miss a day of in-person tryouts, teammates are still doing their best to bond in an online environment. Fun interactive activities like filming a timed outdoor one mile run and creating an Instagram Reel to spark creativity amongst teammates are what cultivate true unity among team members even in a virtual setting.

“There are some [people not] playing this year because of COVID, so I think bonding is going to be essential to our team,” Fisher said.