It has been quite a year for the Sharks. Whether you play on a sports team or frequent the RecPlex, there has been a definite difference in how we operate in these current times. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic halting collegiate sports, NSU Athletics still found ways to function in these unprecedented times. With routine testing, masked practices and delayed or cancelled seasons, teams have learned to adapt. This last year may have looked different for the Sharks, but that doesn’t undermine the teams and their past accomplishments.
Following NCAA guidelines, sports like soccer and volleyball have experienced cancelled seasons, other sports like golf and swimming were promised delayed and limited scheduled seasons. There has been a lot of pressure to keep the department COVID-19 free and they have been very meticulous in their endeavors. With routine testing and symptom regulation, the Sharks have been doing their part.
In lieu of the pandemic, NSU Athletics still found ways to make a positive impact on the community. On Jan. 23, all 16 athletics programs worked together during NSU’s Global Day of Service. The teams participated in various events including a beach cleanup and a food drive that brought in a hefty 750 pounds of non-perishable food for The Pantry of Broward. While the women’s soccer team partnered with The Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center in Fort Lauderdale for another successful food drive and the softball team held a clothing drive. The rest of the teams divided and conquered the local beaches for three different beach cleanups.
Overall, the main thing to remember is that COVID-19 has only put the Sharks on hold. Hopefully in a few months there will be plenty of games to attend and teams to cheer on. In the meantime, check out the many ways you can become a Shark fan.
