NCAA gives student-athletes an extra year of eligibility

By Kazi Walker

The NCAA has granted another year of eligibility to spring student-athletes, whose seasons came to an abrupt and devastating end in March due to the global pandemic.

“I think extending the eligibility for spring student athletes is the right thing for the NCAA to do and it is up to the student athletes to decide what is best for them individually,” Cindy MacDonald, senior associate director of athletics, said.

Usually one swing of a bat, or one race time, means an athlete has used their season of eligibility. At Stonehill, the typical route for an eligibility year is if there is a medical injury in the beginning of the student-athlete’s season. However, the NCAA made exceptions due to the current circumstance. Even a first-year will now have the extra year of eligibility if they want.

“Personally, I am taking the extra year of eligibility as I was already in the process of doing so due to an injury I suffered this season,” Mike White, senior captain of the Baseball team, said. Stonehill takes pride in academics for all their students and their student-athletes, so many are on track to graduate in their four years of undergrad. The majority of seniors already have plans after graduation, however, nobody plans for an abrupt ending to their season.

“I don't think I will be taking the year of eligibility because my career path doesn't allow me to go to grad school right away,” Julia Hartman, a senior on the Softball team, said.

Stonehill Athletics understands that to come back for another year is a huge decision. There are a lot of factors, especially for seniors who did not plan to come back originally. It would be a student’s fifth year at the College, but only the fourth year of eligibility. There are several options to choose from. Many can continue into a graduate program, if one of Stonehill’s programs is a good fit, or students can return as an undergrad if changes are made to their schedules with the help of the Stonehill Athletic Department. Many student-athletes are torn.

“I've been putting some thought into it and have been considering returning, but it's a huge decision to make and there's a lot of things to consider before officially deciding to play another year,” Kaity Healey, a senior member of the Women’s Lacrosse team said.

MacDonald has been making calls once a week to spring student-athletes who are considering returning. There is a lot of information being gathered and she wants to make sure everyone has all the information they need. In the next couple of weeks, they will take more action in moving forward with the process.

“It is a very interesting time in the NCAA, most of the information is getting released as we speak. It is a big decision for not only students, but families as well,” MacDonald said.

The coaches, and anyone in Athletics, want to continue to provide opportunities as nobody will draw a line of “can or can’t.”

“However, this is still a great opportunity presented and it is something to think about. If a student-athlete does decide to return, the Athletic Department and coaching staff will be very supportive and gladly welcome them back,” MacDonald said.

“While many student-athletes are suffering right now because they can’t compete this year, in the long run, this virus is bigger than sports and competition,” White said.

If any student-athlete wants more information, Cindy MacDonald can be reached at: cmacdonald@stonehill.edu.