As some colleges cancel sports over COVID, Dallas-Fort Worth athletes find new homes
Sports have returned as the Mavericks, Rangers and Stars have all restarted. High schools and colleges have made plans to begin fall seasons in football, volleyball and soccer amid the coronavirus pandemic.
But not everyone is on board.
Professional and college athletes have opted out. Schools have done away with certain seasons. Some have even canceled the whole year.
Jessika Roberts signed to play softball at Angelina College and was looking forward to moving to Lufkin for her freshman year, but when the school decided to cancel sports until the fall of 2021, she was left in disbelief.
“Initial reaction was heartbreaking,” said Roberts, who graduated from Forney in June. “I just stood there in disbelief with so many different questions going through my head. I was feeling a little nervous leading up to my freshman year, but for the most part I felt confident and excited.”
Roberts wasn’t the only one from the Metroplex affected by the news.
Anne Elise-Gest found out the same way everyone on the softball team found out — on a Zoom call.
“We all thought that the meeting was to decide who would be staying in dorms and who needed to find an apartment, but I wasn’t shocked they said it was because of COVID,” said Elise-Gest, who graduated from Joshua in 2019. “It’s just bad timing with the news being so close to move-in day.”
Elise-Gest signed her letter of intent in December 2018. She produced 28 hits, 19 runs, 14 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 27 games in the spring before the season was canceled. Angelina College was 14-12-1.
New Home
“For me the decision to transfer was easy. I knew I still wanted to play in college, but before I chose anywhere I had certain things I was looking for,” Roberts said. “I wanted to make sure I loved the coach, how the program was run and the opportunities I would have there.”
It took only two days after she decided to transfer when Roberts picked Paris Junior College.
Elise-Gest chose Valley City State University in North Dakota, where she’ll also play volleyball.
“I really wish none of this would’ve happened. The hardest part was leaving my people and knowing I’ll probably never see them again,” Elise-Gest said. “The coaches at VCSU knew I played volleyball in high school. They showed my film and from there the coaches were on board with both sports.
“I wanted to make sure that the atmosphere was as close to family as possible and have a very supportive student body. The coaches definitely played a huge part in my decision. I absolutely love the coaches at VCSU and I can’t wait to be mentored and grow into a better person and player.”
Roberts connected with Paris JC through her select coach Ken Wilson with Texas Glory Fort Worth.
“I chose Paris JC because coach Shelby Shelton presented me with great opportunities. The persona she gave off was just amazing to my family and I,” Roberts said. “She honestly made the decision really easy for me. It just checked off all the boxes. I am so very grateful and blessed beyond belief. I can’t wait to be a Dragon.”
And the coaches at Angelina College were understanding.
“The coaching staff at Angelina was super supportive throughout the whole process,” Elise-Gest said.
Added Roberts, “I will forever be grateful for them. It was more difficult leaving the coaches and girls than the actual school.”
This story was originally published August 5, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
