Student-Athlete Check In: Brianna O'Donnell – 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 redshirt freshman Brianna O'Donnell. O'Donnell played in seven games for Penn State this past season. She is a native of Lansdale, Pa., and is an early and elementary education major.
Bri 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?
Bri: Sadly, I was not too surprised because I heard other schools were not going back on the news and it did not sound promising for us to go back. I was upset when I found out we were not going back because it is hard when you get in a routine and something disrupts it.
GoPSU: How have you been adapting to online learning?
Bri: I have taken online classes before, but obviously not all five of my classes were online at once. It was a little overwhelming at first to hear we were not meeting in person anymore. For the most part, it was an easy adjustment because my professors were being so flexible and understanding about this unknown and crazy time.
GoPSU: What has your family been doing together during this extended period of social distancing? Any family activities, etc.?
Bri: My family and I have been baking, doing puzzles, and watching movies. Since the weather has been getting nice, we are able to do movies on the deck with the projector. My sisters and I have been doing fun challenges, such as the 26-hour marathon challenge, where you run a mile at the start of every hour for 26 hours. We also have been playing cards, celebrating birthdays, cleaning and remodeling some of our house and we have been able to sit down together for a family dinner almost every night.
GoPSU: What is the one thing you miss most right now about not being back at Penn State?
Bri: The one thing I miss the most about being away from Penn State right now is my teammates! I miss running into them when I am walking to my classes, seeing their faces at 7 a.m. in the morning on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or getting those extra hugs/smiles. It is hard to go from seeing everyone 24/7 to not seeing them in person for 3 months (and more). They are my best friends and I can't wait until I can hug them again!
GoPSU: How have you been keeping in contact with your teammates?
Bri: Besides our team zoom meetings or group meetings, I have facetimeed a couple of my teammates and the team has been keeping each other motivated! Also, I have been texting them regularly to see what everyone is up to!
GoPSU: What other things have you done during this time away from Happy Valley?
Bri: I think I have become a better cook during the time I have been away from Happy Valley. I am really into looking up new recipes and cooking things I have never cooked before. With the extra time in the day, I am able to try new things and spend time with my family, but I cannot wait until I can see my friends and extended family again. I am excited to hopefully get back to PSU sometime soon!
