With the news of the coronavirus pandemic cancelling a fall sports season, the AU women’s soccer team is still practicing and putting in the work to hopefully have a successful spring season. 

Last year the Eagles finished their season 14-5-1, which tied the 2015 squad for the programs most wins since the 2004 season. The Eagles made it to their second NCAA tournament last year, but sadly lost in the first round to Mckendree in Overtime.

With COVID-19 leaving teams questioning if they would get a season in the spring or not, the eagles are still working hard for the future and making sure they make the most of the situation that they are put in. 

Last season, the eagles had four players named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region teams, Sydney Wright was named to the first team, followed by Senior Hannah Lee and Senior Emily Mark on the second team, and Deijah Swihart qualifying for the third team spot. 

Senior goaltender Abby Lampe reflected on how she is staying motivated during practices, even with the looming possibility of not having a season to finish out her senior year. 

“It’s weird. It kind of feels like we’re working towards what could be nothing for the seniors but I know that my work is going to make my younger teammates better and in turn will make the program better for when they can get back to a normal looking season.” 

Lampe also discussed the changes that the team has made to practices and the precautions that the team is taking to be safe during these questionable times. 

“We are in pods that are practicing separately, we wear masks to and from training, temperature checks, campus shield, and stressing the importance of hygiene and following the guidelines from the university.” 

Whether the Eagles have a season or not in the spring, they are confident in their abilities to power through, and have a winning season in the future. 

“I am just taking in my senior year and spending time with my friends and playing the sport that I love,” Lampe said. 

So while the pandemic has forced different sport programs to be uncertain of a season, teams are still staying motivated in hope to play when the spring comes around.