In our continuing series of interviews with Collegiate Head Coaches on the current state of College Softball and the effect of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic currently gripping our nation and world; We speak with Florida International Head Coach Chris Steiner-Wilcoxson.
Coach Steiner-Wilcoxson was in her first year in Miami after success on the NAIA and DI levels the last 13 years. Steiner-Wilcoxson has a career record of 444-337-2, and at the time of the season shutdown FIU was 8-9 on the year.
RTS: The COVID-19 Pandemic has obviously been one of the most unique and disturbing times in our countries history. From the standpoint of Collegiate Athletics it has been unprecedented in the fact of its impact on all sports including softball. Talk a little about how it has affected your program particularly. Where were you and your team when they found out the season had been canceled? How did you break the news that the 2020 season was over to your athletes and the immediate and aftereffect of announcement since?
Steiner-Wilcoxson: We were in midflight from Miami to Philadelphia headed to Marshall University for our first conference series. We had heard that some teams and conferences were on hold and we just were trying to stay positive and give our administration and the conference time to lay out a plan for the athletic programs and our seasons. We were suspended and awaiting some time and decisions to be made so we just told our kids to hold on and stay positive. Once more updates were made we let our kids know that they will have a chance to return and do it again next season. It was an emotional time for everyone with a lot of unknowns and questions. At first everyone of course is upset and confused but as we moved forward and the opportunity to do it again next year gives our kids a sigh of relief and a second chance. We understand there are still a lot of unanswered questions but everyone is working and waiting patiently to see how this all plays out.
RTS: As a coach what are your opinions on how NCAA has handled the outbreak and the cancellation of the 2020 season?
Steiner-Wilcoxson: I think that everyone was traveling and already on location should have had the opportunity to finish playing. The teams were already playing in basketball tournament should have finished and played out and at least you would have had closure. They were taking precautions and limiting fans so for the athletes actually playing could have finished. We were already at the airport and on our way. I would have loved to of played, but I understand they were trying to get everyone home. I would have loved to of seen them start with suspended season and then move forward as they watch how everything works out, but I understand they are trying to keep all our athletes and staffs safe.
RTS: How does the cancellation affect what you will do in the future from an operational and progressive program standpoint since you are losing the season?
Steiner-Wilcoxson: I have always lived each day living life to the fullest and never taking anything for granted. I reiterated to our team this is exactly what can happen in life and we must be prepared for all challenges. We are all thankful for the second chance and especially for our seniors. We have to live life and work hard every day, this is a great example of how sports affect our daily lives in a positive way and how much this sport and opportunity mean to us. We love the ability to share our days with our sisters and do what we love. It gives us an opportunity to learn from our past experiences and better prepare for the future.
RTS: With the information at hand in which NCAA seems to be granting a year of eligibility back to the student-athletes that lost the 2020 season; How is this affecting your roster, recruiting, and scholarship management over the next year?
Steiner-Wilcoxson: Right now we have a lot of unknowns. We are happy our seniors will get another chance to finish their careers, but we still are not sure how that will affect us except we are thankful for a second chance to make things right. I am excited to see what the future holds for our players and program; we will work hard to make sure that we take advantage of the opportunity. We are trying to find the positives in this situation.