The Dixie State Women’s basketball huddles together on the bench to discuss strategy and support their teammates in their game against Seattle University. The team continues to battle against their opponent, while also battling the many obstacles that the COVID-19 pandemic throws at them such as schedule changes and canceled games. Photo by Trey Urban.
After the chaos COVID-19 wreaked on the Dixie State University women’s basketball team in the 2020-2021 season, the Trailblazers are moving forward with renewed energy.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team only had the opportunity to play a few games, then the season was officially cancelled.
JD Gustin, head coach of DSU women’s basketball team, said the team is recovering after the struggle of the previous season. The team has been able to start fresh.
Gustin said not being able to have a season last year made the team appreciate the opportunity they have this season and how special it is to play college basketball.
Since COVID-19 has not taken a toll on DSU women’s basketball team this season, players are able to continue to better themselves and their overall game play.
Sophomore forward Emily Isaacson, a general studies major from Perry, said, “I love the challenge of being the best I can be and continually bettering myself, and finding things to work on and improve.”
To keep COVID-19 from affecting the season negatively, the team is taking all precautions and is following specific guidelines given by the NCAA Division 1 organization.
Main guidelines
For unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, close contact with COVID-19 requires, “Quarantine at home for five days. After that, continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others for five additional days.”
For fully vaccinated, close contact with COVID-19 requires, “No quarantine. Wear a well-fitting mask socially when not actively training/competing for 10 days. Test on day five, if possible, and test symptomatic individuals.”
For all, a positive COVID-19 test requires, “Isolate for five days. If no symptoms or symptoms are resolving after five days, isolation may end. Continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others for five additional days. If there is a fever, continue to isolate until fever resolves.”
Guard Shanaijah Davison, a senior communication studies major from Woodland, California, said the virus has affected her basketball season in a positive way.
Davison said unlike many others, COVID-19 has had a great impact on her college basketball experience, which influenced her to leave the previous university she attended, Long Beach State University.
When COVID-19 hit, Davison had the time to go home and reflect on how she wanted her college basketball career to continue. DSU provided the game play that fit her style of play best, and as a result she decided to play her last season at DSU.
As a Trailblazer, Davison was eligible to play her first game this season on Jan. 13 against Seattle University. The team won the game against Seattle, and Davison was player of the game with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals.
As the Trailblazers have led a COVID-19 free season so far, they will attempt to finish the remainder of the 2021-2022 season strong.
