Does an athlete’s devotion and dedication truly prevail during the pandemic? Let us take a look at the basketball team’s online training journey.
The clock strikes. It’s 3:45 in the afternoon; players get their equipment ready and start joining the Zoom meeting in preparation for basketball training. They start by individually stretching and warming up while their coaches check the attendance. 4:00 comes by, and their coach assigns a player to lead the opening prayer, ensuring that their training starts on a good note.
Right after the prayer, the basketball players follow the exercises given by their coaches (this changes monthly). The first part consists of varying dribbling and ball-handling drills, while the second part involves exercises that focus on jumping, core strengthening, and more. These are what make up the physical training of the players.
However, the training session does not stop there. A sharing amongst the team comes after the physical training. Each player is given a chance to share a short devotion. Once finished, a discussion is held so that players can exchange insights and talk about what they have learned. Through this, the team learns more about God and themselves as players and remembers who they are doing all this for.
To end the session, the team prays together and keeps their tradition of dedicating everything to God alive by saying, “1, 2, 3, Jesus!”
The transition from face-to-face to online training came with major adjustments. Players had to get used to training at home instead of on the basketball court with their teammates. Additionally, some had limited space and lacked the equipment to train, so players had to learn to make use of what they had and be resourceful. These were just some of the minor adjustments and difficulties that these players had to make.
There are times when teachers schedule tests and assign tasks and requirements during the training times of student-athletes. Players ask to be excused from training in order to fulfill their duties as students. Understanding this setback, basketball coaches make things much easier for the players who need to be excused.
With a good mindset, proper time management, and drive to make the most out of the situation, players are able to balance their academic and athletic responsibilities, allowing them to have the best of both worlds.
“I try my best to lead my teammates by example. I strive to be a role model for them, especially for those who are new to the team. I also aspire to be a mentor to the team’s future leaders, so I am confident that when I graduate, the team will be in good hands”, said the captain of the basketball team, Ethan Solis, when asked about his leadership strategy. He looks forward to playing with his teammates, coaches, and players who have graduated as soon as the restrictions are lifted.
Despite the pandemic and its effects, the MGCNLCA basketball team has found a way to continue training and growing, hence, keeping the spirit alive, all by God’s grace and guidance.
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