On Friday, October 14, many Covenant students departed for lakes, beaches, childhood homes or homes of their friends. It was fall break! A time for rest and relaxation. However, a certain demographic of Covenant students did not receive the same break experience that most of the student body got to experience. While many got to rest, our student athletes were hard at work: holding practice, competing in games, and not getting to experience the family time that so many Covenant students were able to have.
The men’s soccer team held practice Friday and Saturday in preparation for a match against Piedmont University on Monday. Luke Laughlin ’25 says, “It was a breath of fresh air to not have classes on Monday and Tuesday. However, with professors still assigning homework, practices every day and traveling all day Monday, I didn’t feel like I had a break at all. It would be nice to be able to go home and pet my dog once in a while like the majority of campus. With that being said, our coaches did care for us and provide meals, but I don’t feel well rested physically or mentally.” Laughlin’s sentiment resonated with many sympathizers. One soccer fan said, “My favorite part of break was spending time with my beloved gerbil. It breaks my heart that these men were not able to go home to pet their dogs; however, I appreciate their dedication to their craft and wish them the best in the conference tournament.”
The women’s soccer team held practice on Friday, had a game on Saturday, and then held practices again on Monday and Tuesday. Nicole Graubard ’25 says, “Staying here for break was very restful for me personally. I was able to just play soccer with no responsibilities and worries about getting my school work done. I was able to bond more with my team and get to know them deeper outside the field.” According to Emma Riggs ’25, “It was kind of summer camp. I got to be living with my friends, enjoying activities and structured time but no school and in my free time I could actually rest. It was also nice to not have to coordinate plane tickets or travel plans but know that my schedule was being handled for me.”
The Covenant cross country team had another rigorous schedule, including a five AM rollout for their meet Saturday and practices on Friday and Tuesday. Lydia Moore ’25 explains that “It felt like preseason all over again! Almost everyone who was on campus was there for practices, games or meets, so there was camaraderie in that sense. That being said, it was also really fun to have time on campus without classes, especially since the pace of doing school and being in-season has been so intense for us in the fall.”
There was bonding and community, but for many, there was also homesickness and burnout. While most students rested and recovered at home, our athletes had to find opportunities to rest in the midst of a busy schedule. Their dedication to their sport is what sets them apart as college athletes, and their dedication shows as they find success in competition.