It was disappointing news for athletes and coaches alike when the USA South Athletic Conference announced on March 12, 2020 that all regular season sporting events were canceled for the remainder of the academic year due to the unknown health risks surrounding the COVID-19 virus. The 2020 spring semester ended with hopes that the pandemic would be contained during summer months and that athletic events would resume as usual in the fall. However on July 28, with the health and safety of student athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, and athletics staff as their priority, the presidents of the USA South Athletic Conference schools voted unanimously to postpone all fall conference competition until the spring 2021 semester. The sports included women's soccer, volleyball, and cross country. The decision was made in light of several factors, including the rise in positive COVID-19 cases throughout the USA South's geographical footprint. During these months, Wesleyan athletes continued aggressive practice and conditioning schedules in anticipation of returning to competition after the holidays.
Coaches and athletes were thrilled on December 4 when the USA South Athletic Conference approved for postponed fall sports to be played within the spring semester. “The fall sports, now to take place during the spring semester months, will begin play in mid-February and conclude in mid-April."
Athletic Director and Head Softball Coach Penny Siqueiros said, “Thanks to President Fowler’s support, all sports teams were able to hold competitive playing seasons this spring. I truly appreciate our coaches’ efforts. Each coach worked tirelessly in both the fall and spring seasons to ensure our athletes were engaged, challenged, and prepared for competition.”
During the last eighteen months, Wesleyan athletes shared a range of emotions that included both disappointments and triumphs. Exhibiting great dedication, maturity, sportsmanship, talent, and teamwork, they ended the 2020-2021 academic year with great accomplishments and achievements, proving that the Wesleyan Wolves are serious about their sports. Wesleyan is proud of all the student-athletes who have joined the pack and worked so hard to help their teams have impressive seasons despite a year of tough obstacles. Below you’ll find a few highlights. GO WOLVES!
Softball:
2021 USA South Softball All-Conference and All-Division Teams
All-Conference Catcher: Savannah Pollock
All-Conference At-Large: Kimmy Dick
First Team West Division Catcher: Savannah Pollock
First Team West Division At-Large: Kimmy Dick
Second Team West Division Outfield: Lauran Allbritton
USA South Softball All-Sportsmanship Award: Kaitlyn Bennett
Soccer:
USA South Soccer All-Sportsmanship Award: Nadia Al-Shihabi
Volleyball:
USA South Volleyball All-Sportsmanship Award: Lativa Ray
Basketball:
USA South Basketball All-Sportsmanship Award: Ahnila Owens
Track:
2021 USA South Track All-Conference Team
In its first year, Wesleyan’s track team competed in five events at the USA South Track and Field Championships.
4x100m Second Team All-Conference: Kaitlyn Bennett, Aliyah Green, Imani Higginbotham, Annmary Melendez Arce
USA South Track All-Sportsmanship Award: Imani Higginbotham
Equestrian:
International Horse Show Association Region 5 Zone 3
Team placed 7th –Daebreon Buie, Emily Evans, Nicole Gaddis, Margaret Howard, Jessica Hurst, Shayla Knight, Audrey Mecklenburg, Annmary Melendez-Arce, Charlotte Reagor, Josie Scordato, Alison Strout
Sportsmanship Award: Margaret Howard
Wesleyan Athlete of the Year: Kimmy Dick, softball
Wesleyan Scholar Athlete of The Year: Alison Strout, equestrian
Wesleyan Spirit of The Wolf: Kelly Ann Mathews, soccer
Wesleyan Multi-Sport Athlete: Kaitlyn Bennett, softball and track
Highest GPA Team Award: equestrian