Strength and conditioning coach released from quarantine

By Hannah Armstrong//

Hood College’s strength and conditioning coach returned to work this week after spending nearly three weeks in quarantine.

Coach Erika Moyer initially entered quarantine after Athletic Director Susan Kolb informed her that she may have come in contact with students who had recently tested positive for COVID-19.

“I found out around the second day of the 72-hour lockdown,” Moyer said.

Moyer was instructed to remain home for 14 days in addition to the three-day lockdown. 

After her first few days in quarantine, Moyer became symptomatic. She was tested, and her results showed that Moyer did have COVID-19. 

Moyer remained in quarantine, but student-athletes were able to continue their strength and conditioning workouts by following Moyer’s pre-established workout plan.

“Luckily the teams had a good base coming in,” Moyer said. “We were training for three, maybe four weeks before I went into lockdown.”

During this time, Moyer consistently checked her email and phone to ensure that she could answer any questions her athletes may have had.

“It was hard for me to get into a rhythm. Then become comfortable with my rhythm and my routine with training, and then be forced to sit at my home and find things to do, instead of training,” Moyer said.

While at home, Moyer was able to be creative and do some things she had not had time to do. 

“I play a little guitar, so I tried to pick that hobby back up,” Moyer said. “I read some, and also walked my dog.”

“It really is a community, the coaches here and the athletic department,” Moyer said. “They really helped me out and were like my second family—they really came through for me.”

“Dr. Kolb dropped a bunch of groceries off at my house,” Moyer said. “My family lives in Pennsylvania, and I don’t have any family around here, and even though they would have come down, it is a long drive.”

“Coach Mehl cooked me a big dinner one night,” Moyer added.

Moyer has since tested negative for COVID-19 and is now back in the gym, eager to begin working with her student-athletes once again.