Sounds and cheers from the field will make CSUDH lively again after student-athletes get ready for a season after a year on hiatus. Photo by Chaz Kawamura.
By Chaz Kawamura, Senior Editor
Most athletes at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), face adversity at least once in their lives. None anticipated the level of difficulty that a global pandemic could bring.
CSUDH athletes from the women’s soccer team, the men’s soccer team, and the women’s volleyball team had no season last year, which led to a loss of time to participate in the sports they love. Athletes are struggling with many challenges beyond just staying in shape required for their competitions.
Sulaiman Bah, a sophomore on the soccer team, struggled to find a balance between his mental health and not losing his fit.
“It was about knowing when we were going to start playing again. It was tough to be honest,” said Bah. “You don’t know when COVID is going to be over or when we are gonna be able to come back and play.”
Alpha Sowe, also a sophomore from the soccer team, put emphasis on getting back in the right mindset to face this upcoming season while also acknowledging how important it was for the team to be strong and stay together throughout last year.
“It is really important because we all move the same way, we all act the same way. There is no separation between seniors, juniors, freshmen, or sophomores,” said Sowe. “We all are alike and do the same thing together.”
Sowe is also really eager to get out on the field in front of the fans. Especially against certain teams as they want to show their talent.
“I am really excited that I got all my teammates back, everyone back, and also excited that we are going to have the fans back. So it is just really exciting to see people back on the field,” said Sowe. “I am excited to play against Cal State LA and Cal Poly Pomona, those are the two teams that I really am looking forward to playing against.”
Sowe is not the only one that is thrilled to get back to playing the sport he loves in front of fans. Bah, his teammate and fellow Sierra Leone native is also very eager to get on the pitch.
“I am excited to play against San Bernardino because I have two of my brothers that go there and it’s going to be fun playing against them.”
Sowe and Bah are just a couple of athletes that are glad that they are finally allowed to have a season and most importantly to get the chance to play again in front of an audience.
Now the team will be able to demonstrate again the importance of sports coming back for all students alike during this fall semester. Things are expected to be more lively for CSUDH Athletics, as the soccer teams are set to start their long 17 and 18-game seasons, while the volleyball team will have their 28-match season ahead of them as well.
