Photo courtesy of FAMU Athletics
FAMU’s volleyball team ended the 2020 season with an overall record of: 2-11 Conf: 1-1 Home: 1-2 Away: 0-1 Neutral: 1-8.
The Rattlers had hopes of coming back for another season, however, that changed when COVID-19 interrupted their upcoming season. Due to the ongoing COVID- 19 pandemic, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced, the league is suspending all competition, championship, and non-championship sports for the fall season.
Kalen Blathers, a third year Cardiopulmonary Science student and outside hitter for the Rattlers, explained her first reaction when she found out the season was canceled.
“At first I was down about not having a season this Fall. I was looking forward to seeing some of the seniors finish out their last semester and experience more fun times with my teammates,” Blathers said.
Blathers continued, “I had to realize it just gives us some time to take a breather and a step back to reflect on last season. It allows us to work harder, to be ready for when we come back.”
Blathers ended last season with 49 kills, 1 assist, 58.0 points, 5 aces, 83 digs, and 8.0 blocks.
During Blathers down time, she focuses more on her schoolwork, after being accepted into her school’s professional program. Blathers is enjoying more sleep during this quarantine but most importantly she is making sure to stay in shape.
Alexys Mann, a transfer student and starting middle blocker for the Rattlers, explains what she likes and miss the most about the season.
“The thing I like the most about playing volleyball is the competition. There’s just something about playing with your teammates and being on the same page to work hard and win is very fun and exciting,” Mann said.
Good news for the Rattlers, practice is back in session but different.
The girls are split in two different groups while at practice. One group will be practicing different skills, while the others train in the weight room.
“Pre-quarantine, our team was working hard and making big strides in the weight room and in practice, in preparation for the upcoming season. It’s very unfortunate that we’re not able to complete this season, but I have stayed positive throughout this situation so that we can have a successful season in the spring,” Mann said.
Players like Jatia Littles, a graduating senior and middle blocker for the Rattlers, expressed the amount of frustration this season brings.
“With everything surrounding the pandemic and sports being pushed back to next semester, I won’t be able to have my senior season. It honestly sucks because as athletes, this is one of the main moments we all look forward to. That milestone that you reach in life when everyone congratulates you because you did it, you made it out,” Littles said.
To stay updated with the volleyball team this year make sure to follow @famuathletics and @famuvb on Instagram.