By Emma Gonosey
Executive Sports Editor
As the new school year begins, Costa sports start to take on new COVID-19 precautions in order to ensure the safety of athletes.
Last school year, Costa sports were slowly going back to normal after the total cancellation of sports in March 2020. Most teams were able to begin participating in games and practices again in March 2021.
According to senior and varsity tennis player Haily Huynh, the Mustangs are looking forward to a sense of normalcy on the courts.
“It has been so great to play with the team again,” Huynh said. “The tennis team is definitely my favorite part of the year. COVID-19 made me realize that I need to make the most of my senior year and that I am excited for my last season [on the team].”
Like other sports teams, the tennis team has adapted to new COVID-19 protocols. Team members have taken frequent COVID-19 tests before matches and, according to Huynh, many of the team members have been vaccinated.
“Most of the team is vaccinated, which is great,” Huynh said. “We all got tested before our first games and wear masks as much as possible. We are so thankful that tennis is a very safe sport for COVID-19.”
The tennis coaches have had to make adjustments to the way that they coach and play as well. According to varsity tennis coach Allen Yap, Costa tennis follows the same protocols that students follow on campus.
“We try to adhere to the same precautions as on campus with the exception of masks not on court when we play and practice,” Yap said. “We had weekly testing also before contests.”
The girls tennis team isn’t the only team on campus that has been adjusting to new changes. According to senior and baseball player Ben Gneiser, the Costa baseball team has greatly improved its COVID-19 protocols during the off-season and has seen a significant change.
“This season has improved greatly when compared to the protocols that we underwent in the 2020- 2021 school year,” Gneiser said. “While we still wear masks and maintain social distance, we are able to run fluid practices and be more efficient with the time that is given to us on the field and in the weight room.”
According to Gneiser, the team is hoping to go back to normal this year and have a fun season while following COVID-19 protocols.
“I’m hoping that we can get time in the gym and on the field,” Gneiser said. “Practice and repetitions will be one of the key factors in winning [and having a good time] this year.”
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