February 11, 2021 – Both teams saw their seasons end during their respective spring trips in March 2020, and both teams began practicing this week in preparation for the upcoming 2021 season. 

"We are excited to see the athletes start practicing," said Northland Athletic Coordinator Abdul Chamma. "We have many that drove hundreds of miles to attend school and participate. We are looking forward to the seasons." 

"I'm very grateful that the season is a possibility for these ladies," said Northland Head Softball Coach Amanda Lara. "Every day that goes by, it gets more real. I know that anything could happen with this unpredictable time, but we remain hopeful and eager to get on the field. These players have been patient, isolated in their dorm rooms, away from family during a pandemic, no access to the gym or weight room, but they keep asking for updates on the season each week. We're all ready for some normalcy, and it's way overdue." 

"I think it's a great thing that the softball and baseball teams have a chance to compete this spring," added Sam Schumacher, Northland's Head Baseball Coach. "It's been a long 11 months."

Last season, the Northland baseball team was in the midst of its spring trip to Texas, and the softball team was on its trip in Florida when the 2020 season was cut short. 

"The virus has impacted so many lives in the past year," Schumacher said. "I think it's important that these players, and players around the country, get a chance to return to these activities in a safe manner. These student-athletes made a lot of sacrifices to come to participate this Spring in their sport. We're committed to making it a successful and safe season."

As a former collegiate athlete at the University of North Dakota, Northland Dean of Student Affairs Mary Fontes understands the important role that athletics play in a student athlete's life. 

"I'm excited," said Fontes, who also serves as the administrator in charge of athletics. "I'm a supporter and fan of Pioneer athletics. My husband and both of my kids played at Northland as well. It's great that we are returning to practice and competition. We just need to make sure that we are doing it safely."

The safety of students, faculty, and staff has been a priority throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Before announcing baseball and softball's return, the college created a return to athletics plan that details the procedures that both teams will use. 

All athletes and coaches must complete a daily symptom screen using the Northland self-assessment screening tool to participate. 

Athletes and coaches are required to wear masks at all times and follow physical distancing guidelines.  

Both teams have adjusted their practice schedules during the indoor portion of the season to follow the gymnasium and fitness center's capacity limits. 

The softball team is practicing in the gym Mondays and Wednesdays, with weight training both days, but split into separate pods for lifting and a virtual workout on Fridays. Lara said the practice schedule has been hectic, but she hasn't heard any complaints from her players. 

"Even though we only have a tentative first two-week practice schedule, they're masked and ready to get in the gym and put some work in," Lara said. "They've had some difficulty getting used to wearing masks while performing high levels of activity, but Coach [Haley] Price and I haven't heard a single complaint from any of our players. They are willing to do what they have to do, to be able to play ball this Spring."

Finding gym time is also a challenge for the Northland baseball team. 

"Initially, we will be practicing two days a week, with the team split up into two different pods," Schumacher said. "Obviously, you want to avoid close contact as much as possible," Schumacher said. "We're fortunate that we can do almost every baseball activity from at least a six-foot distance."

Schumacher said his team would be outside as soon as the weather allows. Until then, the team will make safety a priority while preparing for the season. 

Northland athletes and coaches will also be required to take a Covid-19 test once per week. If a test is not administered, participation will not be allowed.

Team personnel who test positive will be excluded from practice and play for ten days following the onset of symptoms. Team personnel deemed to be in close contact with an individual who tests positive shall be excluded from practice and play for 14 days.

The competition will look a bit different this year as well. Neither team will be taking its traditional out of state spring trip. Both teams will utilize charter buses for transportation, and overnight trips will be limited.

The Northland softball team will open its season March 27-28 at the 14th Annual Minnesota Classic Tournament at the Irish Dome in Rosemount, MN. The Pioneer baseball team is set to begin competition on April 2 in Austin, MN, against Riverland Community College.

For the latest news, updates, and information on Northland athletics, visit northlandpioneers.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Pioneers news by following Northland athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.