COVID-19 Eligibility Relief: Audio Story

HOST INTRO: The NCAA is allowing some student-athletes to have an extra year of eligibility in light of the COVID-19 pandemic cancellations.

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[AMBI: shot clock buzzer] [2s]

TRACK01: The NCAA announced Monday that they would allow eligibility relief for student-athletes whose seasons were cut short amid the coronavirus pandemic. Collegiate spring athletes now have the opportunity to return for an additional season of competition. Since this decision excludes winter athletes, UNC’s winter and spring teams are left with a lot to think about, especially the seniors. Gymnast Khazia Hislop explains how it felt to have her final athletic season end early.

HISLOP01: “Even though I wasn’t fully sure if I was going to take it or not it’s disappointing that I didn’t even have the option to have the extra year.”

TRACK02: On the other hand, spring student-athletes see this decision as nothing short of a great opportunity. Even seniors who have decided to graduate and will not be returning next year are expressing gratitude to have the option. Women’s lacrosse player Charlotte Allard and softball player Hailey Cole explain why.

ALLARD01: “I think it’s awesome for people who start and play a lot and that they get an opportunity to finish out their seasons and get the awards and things that they deserve.”

COLE01: “I know a lot of spring sports weren’t even halfway through their seasons so I think it was the right thing to do.”

COLE02: “I know it was definitely difficult but I appreciate that they ended up coming to that decision.”

TRACK03: Spring sport coaches, like Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach Jenny Levy, appear to be feeling bittersweet about the implications the decision has on their seniors. [10s]

LEVY01: “…and there’s some seniors that I’ve got that are going on to take jobs and moving on from Carolina. And for them I feel a tremendous amount of sadness for them because they never had a proper closure to Carolina and their careers here. But happy that I get to get some of my guys back.”

LEVY02: “In the big picture of things it’s opportunity and you have to decide individually for you and your family what’s the best path.”

TRACK04: Despite the uncertainties and big decisions that must be made, Coach Levy made sure to leave some words of advice for anyone struggling during this time.

LEVY03: “My recommendation is: take it a day at a time, enjoy where you are, plan for what you can and be flexible for what you can’t plan for.”

TRACK05: From MEJO 252, I’m Bryn Boylan.