DBU Report Winter 2020-2021 - Page 37

WINTER 2020–2021 37 REFLECTIONS FROM COACHES AS THEY NAVIGATE THE PANDEMIC Not only has the pandemic had huge consequences for our team, but we have faced an unprecedented number of tragic events within our team. Figuring out how to move forward through everything that has happened has and continues to be a daily challenge. As a team, we are here to compete for championships, but this year has reminded us that we are here for so much more than just soccer. As individuals who make up a team, we are here to support and hold one another up during the most difficult days of our lives, and we have decided to trust that God brought this group together for such a time as this. We have three core values that we have leaned into heavily this year: relentlessly pursue excellence, commit to the process, and be of one heartbeat. No matter how this year ends, we will get there together. While this has been a challenging year for so many, I have never felt more proud to be a part of Dallas Baptist University and DBU Athletics. Human nature so often wants to find an easy way out, or an excuse, and COVID-19 has definitely presented challenges that could be used as an excuse. Instead, I have watched our administrators, coaches, and athletes across the board demonstrate a perseverance and a commitment to excellence at such a high level over the past year. We have been relentless in pursuing our mission, serving our students, and not accepting the excuses that would be so easy. That passion and resolve is characteristic of our University, and the power for that type of commitment comes from our faith in Jesus Christ. DBU HEAD BASKETBALL COACH DR. BLAKE FLICKNER DBU HEAD WOMEN’S SOCCER COACH MICHELLE LENARD