The COVID-19 outbreak has deeply impacted student-athletes as the majority of sports have been cancelled. This leaves students and parents with concern of what the future brings for their continual sports playing in college as recruitment will undoubtedly be different. Senior Abby Miller has played on NDB’s varsity volleyball team since freshman year. Miller shared her experience with The Catalyst on being recruited to continue her volleyball career at University of the Pacific in the fall.

The Catalyst (TC): What sport do you play and how has COVID-19 impacted it this year for you?

Abby Miller (AM): I play volleyball at NDB and COVID-19 has made me appreciate every opportunity I have to compete, because it can be taken away so fast.

(TC): Do you think that COVID-19 has affected students’ chances at getting recruited for their sports?

(AM): I think COVID-19 has definitely made a big impact on students’ recruitment processes. Many people have relied on the last year to finalize their recruiting and that was thrown off track completely.

(TC): How would you say recruiters have supported student-athletes during this time?

(AM): The college coaches and recruiters were beyond patient with me since they understood how different this process was for us. They all supported my choice to take my time in this big decision.

(TC): Overall, how was your recruitment experience? Do you think it would have been different if the pandemic had not occurred?

(AM): I think I was so beyond fortunate to have so many doors open for me due to the pandemic. I got the chance to do more research on schools academically and athletically. I think without these hard times, I would not have put as much time and effort into my commitment decision.