My Lumberjack Life: Bryana Novegil
4/21/2020 7:00:00 PM | Softball
SFA Athletics is continuing a new series called My Lumberjack Life. With the 2019-20 season of competition cut short, this series is an opportunity for our athletes to share how they've been dealing with the recent global events, and how they are spending their time away from campus and the sport they play.
We had just gotten back from our series sweep against Lamar, and we were scheduled for pregame practice that afternoon. We received a text from my coaches saying "No team practice. Team meeting at 4pm." Little did I know, that text would change our season for the rest of the year. I heard rumors on social media about a virus, but I didn't think much of it. Things began to escalate when I found out professional leagues were cancelling games. This is when I realized something unprecedented was beginning to unfold.
At the meeting, our Associate Athletic Director delivered the heartbreaking news to us that the NCAA cancelled all spring sports competitions and championship events. I was at a loss for words. There wasn't a dry eye in the locker room that day. Suddenly our worlds were turned upside down. I watched the seniors face an overwhelming sadness as they came to the realization that their career was potentially over.
In a matter of minutes everything my team had worked so hard for had gotten stripped away from us. We all sacrificed so much to be a part of this program—a once in a lifetime opportunity. My coaches always told us to find confidence in our preparation but there was nothing that could prepare us for the news we received that day.
This season was not only an opportunity for the Ladyjacks to chase after a title, it also served as a chance for us to show the world what SFA Softball is made of. The team of 2020 will always hold a special place in my heart. Not because of what we accomplished or what we were capable of, but because we were a group that displayed confidence, perseverance, and grit. I am blessed to be a part of a team of inspiring young women who not only give it their all on the field but will continue to triumph in all of life's endeavors.
It is in circumstances like these where I am able to find peace in knowing everything truly happens for a reason. I've taken this opportunity to cherish the time I have with my family. Being on the road constantly and away at school, I find myself missing home quite often. Now that we are all together we can comfort and encourage each other while we all find ways to cope with the changes that this uncertain time has brought.
Although the season has been cancelled, I have been keeping busy with school and staying active. With more time on my hands I have been able to find a better balance between managing my responsibilities and taking time to recharge. My faith has been a huge part in helping me mentally. I am remembering to count my blessings and am praying that the good Lord protects my family and friends.
There are times where I am reminded that there is life outside of the white lines and that matters much more than the game we play inside them. At the end of the day, softball is my life. My teammates and the staff are my life. But right now we are taking a break from our everyday lives to save lives and I will forever be understanding of that.
We don't know if we are guaranteed tomorrow and at any time we can be taken away from this Earth. So my advice to those in isolation is to live in the moment and cherish what you have.
Today is short, so be kind and serve one another.
Make no room for regrets.
May God bless and be with you all.
Axe'Em Always,
- B
We had just gotten back from our series sweep against Lamar, and we were scheduled for pregame practice that afternoon. We received a text from my coaches saying "No team practice. Team meeting at 4pm." Little did I know, that text would change our season for the rest of the year. I heard rumors on social media about a virus, but I didn't think much of it. Things began to escalate when I found out professional leagues were cancelling games. This is when I realized something unprecedented was beginning to unfold.
At the meeting, our Associate Athletic Director delivered the heartbreaking news to us that the NCAA cancelled all spring sports competitions and championship events. I was at a loss for words. There wasn't a dry eye in the locker room that day. Suddenly our worlds were turned upside down. I watched the seniors face an overwhelming sadness as they came to the realization that their career was potentially over.
In a matter of minutes everything my team had worked so hard for had gotten stripped away from us. We all sacrificed so much to be a part of this program—a once in a lifetime opportunity. My coaches always told us to find confidence in our preparation but there was nothing that could prepare us for the news we received that day.
This season was not only an opportunity for the Ladyjacks to chase after a title, it also served as a chance for us to show the world what SFA Softball is made of. The team of 2020 will always hold a special place in my heart. Not because of what we accomplished or what we were capable of, but because we were a group that displayed confidence, perseverance, and grit. I am blessed to be a part of a team of inspiring young women who not only give it their all on the field but will continue to triumph in all of life's endeavors.
It is in circumstances like these where I am able to find peace in knowing everything truly happens for a reason. I've taken this opportunity to cherish the time I have with my family. Being on the road constantly and away at school, I find myself missing home quite often. Now that we are all together we can comfort and encourage each other while we all find ways to cope with the changes that this uncertain time has brought.
Although the season has been cancelled, I have been keeping busy with school and staying active. With more time on my hands I have been able to find a better balance between managing my responsibilities and taking time to recharge. My faith has been a huge part in helping me mentally. I am remembering to count my blessings and am praying that the good Lord protects my family and friends.
There are times where I am reminded that there is life outside of the white lines and that matters much more than the game we play inside them. At the end of the day, softball is my life. My teammates and the staff are my life. But right now we are taking a break from our everyday lives to save lives and I will forever be understanding of that.
We don't know if we are guaranteed tomorrow and at any time we can be taken away from this Earth. So my advice to those in isolation is to live in the moment and cherish what you have.
Today is short, so be kind and serve one another.
Make no room for regrets.
May God bless and be with you all.
Axe'Em Always,
- B
2.1.24 | Axe 'Em Insider Ep. 24 x Softball
Friday, February 02
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Wednesday, February 22
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Thursday, May 12
