Normally at this time of year, baseball fields, softball fields, tennis courts and track fields are bustling with sounds and activity. Now, all of that has been ripped from the hands of athletes, and all that’s left is eerie silence.

It’s not just high school sports that have been canceled. All other sporting events across the globe have been postponed due to the effects of COVID-19. Events such as the Masters, NBA, the Olympics and all Olympic qualifiers have all been suspended, along with hundreds more, according to ESPN.

It’s a reality no one expected or wanted, disappointing for all athletes and sports fanatics.

Senior Emily Johnston, who has been playing softball since her freshman year, shares her feelings on having her softball season taken away from her.

“I was really looking forward to the last semester with traditions with my peers,” she said. “I was really excited to play with the girls and spend time with everyone more, making lots of memories throughout the season.”

This is especially difficult for seniors. Juniors, sophomores, and freshmen all have at least one more year to participate in their sports, but for seniors, this was supposed to be their moment, their year. Their last hoorah.

“Senior night was also something I was looking forward to because each year I celebrated the seniors’ success and then finally this was the year for my peers and I,” Johnston said.

Johnston, knowing she will never have the opportunity to play with her team again, has one final message for the underclassmen.

“I hope you stick with this sport because this team will always have your back!” she said. “Go Pacers!”