Athletic Adjustments

As the impacts of COVID-19 linger on the upcoming school year, student athletes discuss their plans for the future

BY FERNANDO LARGAESPADA, STAFF WRITER AND MARTA RODRIGUEZ, CONTENT EDITOR

Active playing time can make or break an athlete’s season, as well as their chances of playing professionally. Due to the social-distancing guidelines mandated by the state government following the coronavirus outbreak in March, many of the school’s division-league prospects now face serious challenges attracting attention from college scouts.

The lack of play-time fosters a larger problem as recruiters are unable to monitor these athletes’ growth in technique, endurance, physique and much more. Football safety Troy Frederick, soccer center Sabrina Bonavita and basketball small forward Ronald Fernandez provide insight into the struggles and successes they have faced in the past six months of their athletic journeys.

TROY FREDERICK #26

From playing in the Pop Warner Youth League at the age of six to being a varsity safety on the school’s football team, senior Troy Frederick’s infatuation for football has been growing for over a decade. Hoping to get recruited for a Division-1 team, Frederick is concerned that the cancelation of fall sports will negatively influence his chances of earning an athletic scholarship.

Frederick had played in various positions throughout his career, most notably as a quarterback and defensive end. However, since his sophomore year he began playing as a safety because the position showcases his defensive versatility and ability to take on leadership.

Despite the challenges the cancelation of fall sports has caused, Frederick works to make up for the lack of film he can provide scouts by posting game highlights on his social media platforms. Some schools he has been in contact with include Albright College and North Carolina Wesleyan College.

“Troy was our most improved athlete last year and we have high expectations for him this year, as both a player and a leader,” head football coach Roger Pollard said.

Through his confidence and motivation to excel both academically and athletically, Frederick demonstrates zone coverage and is able to attack the ball in the air. Since the start of the pandemic, Frederick has only focused on improving through workouts and daily practice.

“Since we don’t know when the season is going to start, I’m going to stay focused and be improving more,” Frederick said.

SABRINA BONAVITA #12

Growing up surrounded by soccer fanatics in an Italian household, soccer has been a major part of varsity center back Sabrina Bonavita’s life. Starting her athletic journey at four years old, Bonavita has played the sport passionately since she could run.

In the past two years, Bonavita has played for the United States Development Academy and National League, the top two high school level leagues in the nation. Since joining them, Bonavita’s level of commitment and seriousness towards soccer has grown abundantly.

Bonavita has attended several Soccer Elite Prosper camps, also known as ID camps. These camps give aspiring college athletes a taste of what it is like to train with top college coaches, meet scouts and make connections that can be used for their recruitment process.

“These were some of the top leagues nation-wide and it really opened my eyes [to] the talent that’s out there; the competitiveness and the seriousness that goes beyond the game of soccer,” Bonavita said.

Aside from Bonavita excelling in soccer, she maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA in the International Baccalaureate program at the school.

Since the pandemic has begun, her days have been fully dedicated to soccer. Bonavita wakes up early to go to private soccer training, later in the afternoon she specifically does exercises to increase her strength and condition her body. Additionally, she attends regular team practices.

“She’s a perfectionist so she works incredibly hard on anything she does and she will keep doing something until it’s perfect no matter how many tries it takes her,” sister and former teammate Juliana Bonavita said.

Thus far, Bonavita feels fortunate to being in positive contact with several top college coaches. While she cannot be officially scouted until her junior season, she will continue to focus on developing her skills.

“In the future I want to be able to look back and think that I did everything to be the best that I could be,” Bonavita said.

RONALD FERNANDEZ #21

With a lifelong dream of playing alongside athletes like Lebron James and Kawhi Leonard as a professional basketball player, senior varsity small forward Ronald Fernandez has dedicated his time to playing basketball. However, due to the current circumstances, Fernandez fears he will not have the opportunity to be watched by Division 1 recruiters in person.

Fernandez has had over 12 years of experience as a basketball player, including his nine years playing for the Boys and Girls Club, three years of experience on his middle school team, six years of time playing for the Coral Gables Red Raiders travel team and three years on the school’s basketball team.

Fernandez has earned several honors including hustle, defensive and Most Valuable Player awards.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, camps would be held so scouts can look at potential college players. Fernandez scored an average 9 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game.

Such camps have since been canceled due to social distancing restrictions, meaning many scouts will not be able to watch Fernandez play in person. Nonetheless, Fernandez has already been able to be in contact with several coaches from schools like Barry University and Lynn University.

Although the pandemic has affected the amount of opportunities he has had to get noticed, Fernandez has taken the time to train every single day from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. doing different activities such as: ball handling, shooting, conditioning and weight training.

“My parents have always worked hard to give me what I have and I will work harder to return them that favor one day,”Fernandez said.