Peacock U

Alyssa Adams ’21 Andrew Connor ’21 Nazae Craw ’21 Daniel Lodato ’21

Second Chance

Daniel Lodato ’21 had waited almost a year for the good news: Halted by the coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic, Saint Peter’s University fall and spring athletics were back in action for the spring semester. “The fact that we had a spring season means a lot,” said Lodato, a member of the Peacock track and field team. “For a while, I didn’t think I would ever have the chance to throw again in college. This year, I was sitting on the edge of my seat wondering if we were going to have a spring season.”

While pandemic-related safety measures modified the season, Peacock athletes responded with gratitude and determination. Women’s soccer player Nazae Craw ’21 explained, “This season may have looked a lot different than previous years, but my team really made the most out of unimaginable circumstances. In life, it is important to be flexible in tough situations.” Volleyball player Yaidelis LopezJimenez ’21 said, “We were so lucky to be able to play, while many other colleges couldn’t. We were very excited to finally share the court together. Having a senior season means the world to me, even if it was shorter than usual.”

As they trained through the uncertainty, players tapped Peacock resilience to remain focused. “Coach and the team as a whole stuck together, constantly keeping in contact and ensuring we were all holding each other to a high standard, both on and off the field,” noted men’s soccer player Philip Smith ’21. “It gave us a mental distraction from what has gone on over the last year.”

Peacock runner Grace Proctor ’21 agreed: “This year has been crazy, not just for Saint Peter’s, but for the whole world. The way I stayed motivated was to just think about

Yaidelis Lopez-Jimenez ’21

the future and know that I would have at least one last race. I continued to train and thought about how I wanted my last track race to be my best one.” For Peacock golfer Jeff Peters ’21, optimism was key: “Keeping a positive mindset through all of this kept me going. This year pushed me to work extremely hard. One lesson I have learned in my four years is to always look forward. When times are tough, looking forward at the positives will help you to persevere.”

Today, these seniors say the pandemic has taught them to savor every day. “I am not taking any game for granted, because from experience I have learned any game could be your last,” said softball player Alyssa Adams ’21. Baseball player Andrew Connor ’21 added, “The one thing I have taken away from this experience is to always give every day your all. The people and things that we care about most can be taken away in the blink of an eye. As I took the field for my last season, I planned on leaving it all on the field. I am grateful to get the opportunity to play again for the last time.” Jeff Peters ’21

Grace Proctor ’21

DONORS DOUBLE THEIR IMPACT ON FIRST PEACOCK NATION DAY

The first ever Peacock Nation Day raised more than $30,000, thanks to matching gift challenges and an enthusiastic response from alumni and friends. The giving day, held on February 27, included a special matching gift challenge led by Peacock Nation supporters Richard Donnelly ’67, Robert Donnelly ’75 and Sharon Pastore ’73, a member of the University’s Board of Trustees. The three alumni matched every gift made in honor of Peacock Nation, up to $7,500.

When the final total was tallied, 156 donors came together to raise $30,952 to support the athletics department and the University’s student-athletes. “We are so incredibly inspired by and appreciative of the participation, commitment and generous support given to our student-athletes,” said Director of Athletics Rachelle Paul. “Despite the challenges of the past year, our student-athletes have remained dedicated to their studies, their teammates and to representing Saint Peter’s with pride and distinction. Beyond providing our athletic programs with critical resources, your gift shows our student-athletes that they continue to have a strong Peacock Nation cheering them on.”