Student-Athlete Check In: Syd Dreisigmeyer – Penn State Field Hockey
As the events of early March unfolded and changed all over the country, Penn State student-athletes found themselves facing uncertainty and transition in their academic and athletic realities.
The Penn State field hockey team, 2019 Big Ten Tournament finalists, were two months into the Spring semester when the COVID-19 pandemic erupted. As the entire Penn State family works for ways to stay connected, we can check in with some members of head coach Char Morett-Curtiss' field hockey team to get some insight into how typical student-athletes reacted, adjusted and began the process of forging ahead in our current circumstance.
Today we check in with sophomore Syd Dreisigmeyer. Dreisigmeyer is a native of Hummelstown, Pa. and graduate of Lower Dauphin High School. Dreisigmeyer recently wrapped up her third season at Penn State, having redshirted in 2017 as a true freshman. She is a Communication Sciences and Disorders major.
Syd took the time to answer some questions from GoPSUsports and offers some good insight into the daily life of a Nittany Lion during this time:
GoPSU: What was your first reaction when you heard that spring break had turned in to online learning?
Syd: "Although spring break was a nice break from classes, I was shocked and upset. My thoughts went to 'what am I going to do about school and field hockey?' and 'when am I going to be able to see my friends and teammates again?'. It was definitely a lot to take in, in such a short amount of time.
GoPSU: How have you been adapting to online learning?
Syd: "Adapting to online learning was definitely a challenge at first as I rely on in-person classes to engage with my professors and get the most out of the lessons. However, my professors have out-done themselves with keeping classes fun and engaging. I've found it easier to navigate through my classes over time through the use of Zoom and Voicethread. It's definitely a different learning experience, but it helps that everyone is learning how to excel in the online experience together."
GoPSU: Athletes are by nature focused on staying healthy, what have you been doing to keep fit, active and energized?
Syd: "Staying in contact with my teammates definitely keeps me energized and motivated. We always push each other to be the best players that we can be whether on campus or at home. I've really been focusing on adjusting my diet and workout routine due to being at home. I always find time in the day to go on a run and throw in some strength training."
GoPSU: What has your family been doing together during this extended period of social distancing? Any family activities, etc.?
Syd: "During the week, we try to be as active as possible whether it be going for a walk with the dogs or doing yard work outside. On the weekends we have movie night and sit around the fire pit as a family. To stay connected with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, we try to Zoom at least once a week."
GoPSU: What is the one thing you miss most right now about not being back at Penn State?
Syd: "The one thing I miss the most about being at Penn State is hands down being with my teammates every day. Between the early morning conditioning, the family dinners at Pollock, and driving the 'dormies' to get our nails done, I miss it all. The time away really makes you appreciate the time you do have with your teammates when you're together on campus."
GoPSU: How have you been keeping in contact with your teammates?
Syd: "I keep in contact with my teammates through Zoom calls and GroupMe messaging. Beside the weekly Zoom calls as a team, I find myself talking to a different teammate every day whether it be about field hockey, how their week has been, etc. It's a really good feeling to know that everyone is still staying connected to the point where it feels like we're not really apart."
GoPSU: What other things have you done during this time away from Happy Valley?
Syd: "During this time away from Happy Valley I've been learning to cook more difficult recipes. I've definitely mastered breakfast, but I'm still working on more difficult dinner dishes… it should be clicking for me soon!"
