Getting into college as a first-semester freshman is difficult enough. New students need to grow up to get used to being away from home and living alone for the first time.
Now, imagine starting your college career a few months after the COVID-19 pandemic began. As a student-athlete, especially one with a season in the fall, go the extra mile. Seasons have been postponed to the spring and, in some cases, canceled entirely.
The 2020-21 season was a different season than previous seasons.But for the Manhattan College senior defender Ianna Mackeyit was a rough introduction to university life.
“The pandemic has added to a lot of the frustration and stress that I experienced as a freshman,” McKee said. “The challenges of entering college during a pandemic were compounded by an injury my freshman year that further limited my ability to fully participate on the team.”
“Overcoming the adversity of the pandemic and my freshman year injury has deepened my appreciation for the opportunities and relationships I have as a student-athlete,” McKee continued. “It instilled in me a greater sense of resilience, compassion, and gratitude, which continues to shape my approach to both academics and athletics as I progress through college.”
Even though his freshman season was postponed to an unconventionally shortened spring schedule, McKee missed his first year on the field due to a shoulder injury. Although her injury hampered her for the time being, it ultimately shaped her into the player she would become.
Throughout her first year on campus, she was forced to find other ways to contribute to the team. Even as McKee underwent physical therapy on the sidelines, he found ways to keep her connected by offering her support and attending all her meetings.
For the next three years, McKee became a mainstay in Jasper's lineup, starting all but one game. She was faced with the decision of whether or not to return for a fifth season, but it was a season she didn't have to think about for long.
“The decision to come back for a fifth year was easy,” McKee said. “I am extremely focused on the success of this team and feel there is unfinished business to tackle. Additionally, the opportunity to further develop as an individual, as part of the team and as a player was important to my decision. I fulfilled my role.''
Last season, the Jaspers allowed two or fewer goals in all but one of their 15 games, eight of which were one goal or fewer. With McKee back for another season, Manhattan regains a key piece: a strong defensive back line.
“Our defensive success last season can be attributed to a combination of factors that are ingrained in our soccer culture,” McKee said. “Strong defensive organization and an emphasis on communication keep everyone on the same page and limit the opposition's scoring opportunities. players will contribute to the defense.”
On the surface, the Jaspers may have had a disappointing season, missing out on the MAAC tournament by one point out of sixth place. However, if you look deeper, you will see that the team is not far away from being at the top of the league.
All four of Manhattan's conference losses were by one point. While this fact is frustrating for the entire program, it also showed how close the Jaspers are to making the postseason.
Manhattan then tied 2-2 in the final game of the season, becoming the only team to take one point from Quinnipiac. Quinnipiac, the MAAC regular season and tournament champions, won the other nine league games by a whopping 30-4 margin.
“We're using last season's conference loss as motivation,” McKee said. “Knowing that we were one goal away from a different result in these games makes us realize that we are one step away from where we want to be. This team takes every opportunity. It emphasizes the importance of making the most of it and staying focused until the finals.'' Sound the final whistle for more success and redemption. ”
With the spring offseason in full swing, one thing is certain: the MAAC shouldn't underestimate a motivated Jaspers team, including a resilient McKee. They have already proven that they have a tendency to turn a series of negatives into positives.
