April 12, 2021 – After a season off for nearly all Pioneer Athletics, today, Northland announced the intention for a full return of athletics beginning fall 2021. This decision will affect volleyball, clay target, wrestling, and men's and women's basketball.

The spring 2021 sports schedule saw a return to play with an abundance of caution for Pioneer Baseball and Softball. This spring season will hopefully be a bridge to return to a more full-time normalcy for the College's athletes and fans.

Northland is aiming for a season with full schedules, fewer disruptions, and more fans in the stands. The safety and well-being of all students and staff remain Northland's primary goal. Although there is much confidence in the positive outlook for fall, all plans remain contingent upon federal, state, and local health guidelines, and the status of all competitions will be subject to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"All of the coaches are looking forward to next year's season, however, the challenge we will be facing is if our new recruits and the returners will be ready to step on the court," expresses Northland Athletics Coordinator Abdul Chamma. "In addition, many people in the community have been asking about fall sports, and whether fans will be allowed. We hope to have fans in the stands because we know that their support adds to the overall competitive experience."  

Once the Pioneers hit the court or field, they will have essentially been out of the action for a year or more. However, that does mean they've been idle, as many athletes have found creative ways to stay active and keep their skills sharp.

"We are looking forward to getting back into the gym. It was an adjustment for all when fall came around last year, and we weren't able to get on the court," shares Pioneer Volleyball Head Coach Courtney Nordby. "It really made athletes accountable for their schedules and routines. They didn't have that set schedule that many are very used to. We have seen our players' initiative when they let us know how they are getting in workouts or ball handling, etc., and their true passion for the game is showing." 

While fall sports like volleyball and clay target will be ready to roll early, Pioneer winter sports that begin their practice and scrimmage schedules in late fall will also benefit from this decision. 

"We are excited to be back for the 2021-22 season and look forward to building on the recent success of Northland women's basketball, having competed in three of the past seven national championship games," asserts Shannon Nelson, Pioneer Women's Basketball Head Coach. "Although we were all disappointed with the COVID pause, we are fortunate to return nine players and have signed four more so far."
 
Since March 2020, student-athletes and college coaches have been in a constant state of uncertainty as the COVID situation has evolved. There has been little chance for athletes to showcase their skills when athletic events and entire seasons have been canceled, and in-person recruiting has been halted. Coaches have needed to adapt in order to fill their rosters. 

"Our incoming recruiting class has a lot of local young ladies that people will recognize.  We have some key roles to fill this coming year, and I think our incoming class will do a nice job filling those spots quickly," adds Norby, "The excitement is steadily building, and the girls are wondering when we can get in the gym and a ball in the air."

Pioneer Women's Basketball is also enthusiastic about the upcoming season. Nelson expressed, "Throughout the recruiting process this past year, we communicated Northland's commitment to athletics and our confidence in this program's ability to bounce back in 2021. This announcement just solidifies that confidence and gets us one step closer to being back on the court and representing our college and communities."

"It's been a tough year all around. It was very hard to recruit overall because we couldn't give a definitive answer if fall sports will be a go," relayed Chamma. "But now will be different."

For the latest news, updates, and information on Northland athletics, visit northlandpioneers.com. Stay connected and don't miss any of the action by following the Pioneers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and PioneersTV.