University Park, Pa. — Penn State head coach Char Morett-Curtiss checked in and talked about how she's been staying busy and how the team is doing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When did things start to change for you because of COVID-19?
We actually were away on spring break. When we came back, I went to go to a doctor's appointment but if you've been out the country or you've been on a plane they couldn't take you, so I just said I'll reschedule. I went into work that Monday. We were already told that we weren't coming back until April 6 so you could choose to work remotely. Then on Wednesday they said you have to work remotely, so that's when I decided to come to Connecticut.
How have you been staying in touch with the team?
We've just been so engaged with the team whether it's a big team Zoom meeting or working with them in little groups or just the seniors. We've also been having Zoom meetings with the alums and it's been a lot of fun.
How have you been staying busy?
I'm an avid reader, so I read anything from novels to non-fiction. We've been watching Ozark on Netflix and we finished season three. I can't wait to watch The Last Dance.
What is your typical schedule like now?
I go to the grocery store around 7 a.m. and get the groceries early about every 10 days. Then I go running and have Zoom calls throughout the day. My husband comes home probably around 6:30 p.m. and we just relax. Then we start making dinner around 7:30 p.m. Dinner is over at 8:30 p.m.
Have you picked up any new hobbies/started doing any old hobbies?
My family's actually shocked, and probably some of my friends too, but I cook every night. Generally, when I'm back in State College and its mid-week and my husband is in Connecticut, I just come home and eat a bowl of cereal. Now when I go to the store I make my shopping list in my mind of what we're going to have for the rest of the week.
What's the biggest change you've had to make because of COVID-19?
I think the change is missing that contact with the coaches and Penn State. I miss everyone in our building. I think that's just been a big adjustment for me, the interaction with the coaches and the players.
How was the team playing in the spring?
We were just so excited to get out and play as a team because we really worked a lot this offseason in January, February and the first week in March, working on our core values, getting the players more comfortable and confident in their positions, moving some players around, so we really had a great start to our spring. We couldn't wait to come back the week after spring break and head down to Virginia to be tested. Sadly, that didn't happen but the most important thing is that we're safe and healthy.
How have you had to adapt as a head coach?
We have head coach's meetings regularly through Zoom now and all the coaches are sharing information like this is what we've been doing with recruiting. So, it's really good to hear and share ideas about virtual tours people are doing and it's so great this coaching staff is so connected and is willing to share.
How have you adjusted to primarily working online?
I never thought that I would be spending so much time in front of my computer. I'm not of that era. I'm conscious of trying to be more mobile instead of sitting at my desk every day.
How are you planning for next season?
It's quite a long stretch for the players not to be really playing competitively but we really talk about putting a priority on the fitness and strength component and then hopefully once the weather gets better maybe people can get out to some places and we'll throw some stick skills into the mix.
