As news of the NCAA’s decision to cancel numerous spring and winter championships spread like wildfire across social media, members of Florida’s 19 athletic programs couldn’t help but react in the moment to the unprecedented announcements.
NCAA cancels remaining winter and spring championships: https://t.co/qzKAS4McEI pic.twitter.com/G6XreZx35E
— NCAA (@NCAA) March 12, 2020
NCAA President Mark Emmert statement on limiting attendance at NCAA events: https://t.co/TIHHJjdse5 pic.twitter.com/8I1HdceDfN
— NCAA (@NCAA) March 11, 2020
The decision, while not made lightly by any means, was tough to swallow for many Gators, especially those set to compete for postseason or conference championships
Tre Mann, a freshman guard on the men’s basketball team, posted two simple broken-heart emoji to his Twitter account after the team’s second round match-up with Georgia was canceled just three hours prior to tip-off.
💔💔
— Tre Mann (@tre2mann3) March 12, 2020
Many others, such as former UF softball player and current student assistant coach Amanda Lorenz, posted three crying face emoji to her Twitter account after news broke that Florida’s softball season would be suspended until at least March 30. Lorenz later re-tweeted a message from Florida alum and SEC Network host Laura Rutledge.
The decisions that had to be made were made for the safety of everyone involved. Still, my heart breaks for so many…the people who are sick, their families, those in fear, the athletes who won’t get a chance to shine on the stages they’ve dreamt of, their parents and fans. Wow. pic.twitter.com/M4I3sWGjm3
— Laura Rutledge (@LauraRutledge) March 12, 2020
Kendyl Lindaman, a senior on Florida’s softball team, expressed uncertainty regarding her playing future after the championships were canceled before a decision was made regarding the regular season.
I’m not sure what the future holds for me at the moment, but the one thing I do know is how much love I have for this team and these girls. Wouldn’t want to be surrounded by any other group of girls. Go gators always 💙 pic.twitter.com/HG62uakqOO
— Kendyl Lindaman (@Kendyl_23) March 12, 2020
Trey Freeman, a first-team All-SEC swimmer in 2019, had a slightly more optimistic viewpoint considering he was forced to redshirt the season after undergoing knee surgery, but his thoughts were with the seniors as well.
“I guess redshirting this year wasn’t too bad after all, but not everyone is as lucky as me,” Freeman posted to his Twitter account. “@NCAA should really consider giving athletes affected an additional year of eligibility, if they want it.”
It was a similar sentiment shared by former UF swimmer Caeleb Dressel, one of the most accomplished athletes in Florida’s history.
Thoughts to all the NCAA seniors this year across all sports. Could not imagine having NCAAs taken away from me senior year and those memories. I understand the circumstances but maybe postponing these championships is an option. #coronavirus #NCAA
— Caeleb Dressel (@caelebdressel) March 12, 2020
Although the Florida football team will maintain a business-as-usual approach – aside from closing practices to fans – many of their public thoughts were in regards to the seniors, too.
Big facts‼️‼️ take care of the athletes https://t.co/3yLDWUY3PO
— Zachary L Carter (@_ZachAttacks) March 12, 2020
Carter earlier had reminded fans of their impact upon the team’s performance, saying they’ll be missed in spring but counted on come fall.
Its crazy how much of an impact the fans have while athletes are competing. As long as we 90K strong in Ben Hill Griffin come September im not trippin 🐊🐊🐊 our fans solid ‼️
— Zachary L Carter (@_ZachAttacks) March 12, 2020
After seeing the NBA suspend operations for at least 30 days, junior wide receiver Jacob Copeland wasn’t as optimistic about the team’s prospects, however. One thing’s for certain: the 2020 spring schedule is unprecedented.
If they suspend the NBA what y’all think they gone do to us NCAA? 🧐
— Jacob Copeland (@JCope1era) March 12, 2020
