By: Dillon Jones, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, dmj5535@psu.edu 

The entire sports community has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic leaving student-athletes and coaches wondering exactly what these changes mean for the future of college athletic recruiting. 

At long last, sports are returning to Penn State Brandywine. The student population, faculty, and staff members are excited about the return of sporting events. Undoubtedly, student-athletes are motivated to get back into action. However, there is still one unknown factor to the season, that being the coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus continues to mar the college sports landscape, leaving many questions unanswered. Vaccine and mask regulations are still in place. Despite this, Penn State Brandywine remains optimistic that a full slate of intercollegiate athletics will be held. 

In a recent interview with the Director of Athletics Bobbi Caprice, she emphasized the workload from last year to this year. Caprice also discussed  the process of recruiting during the pandemic and the different challenges that come with COVID-19 restrictions. 

Caprice said, “It was different; it wasn’t more or less. We were testing our athletes, regardless of vaccination status, it was a lot of work on the staff.” The staff and faculty formed a task force and were in charge of coordinating the testing here on campus; which included organizing the tests and doing contact tracing.  

As stated, there was an adjustment transitioning back to sports. Caprice addressed the new challenges this year with COVID-19 restrictions. She said, “Making sure we have information on who is vaccinated and who is not requires a lot of communication with health services to make sure people are vaccinated and being tested.” Students who do not have proof of vaccination must get tested weekly. This helps ensure the safety of  the students, faculty and staff.   

For kids and families trying to navigate the college athletic recruitment process, it has traditionally been a big ball of daunting unknowns. Let’s just say things haven’t gotten any easier in the midst of a global pandemic. Caprice went on to discuss the recruitment during the coronavirus . She said, “We did everything virtually until Summer ‘21 when some students were allowed on campus, but not in the buildings.”  

Penn State Brandywine has  tried to give the best recruiting experience possible given the protocol for COVID-19. Fortunately our online virtual campus tour had been updated prior to the pandemic and provides a detailed experience to virtual visitors. 

There’s a buzz around campus with athletes, considering the year off. It’s been a long anticipated wait: players and their coaches are grateful to be together once again.  There is  no denying that it’s an unusual season. Caprice  talked about the progress of fall sports and said, “We had great turnout in our games, women’s volleyball and men’s soccer have been strongly attended.” 

One student who expressed her excitement for sports returning at Brandywine is volleyball player Lexie Berry who said, “I am grateful and excited that Brandywine was able to have a real volleyball season this year. The competitive environment and meeting all the people I did on the volleyball team.” 

The fall sports are wrapping up, with many Brandywine teams having made playoffs. Plan your visit to campus for Spring sports.