By Genesis Lemus\/\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is no doubt that this season has been difficult for Hood\u2019s student athletes, yet Cailyn Barthlow\u2019s love of softball has not changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a junior, Barthlow has a lot on her plate. She majors in biology and minors in chemistry with a pre-medicine concentration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is difficult to deal with, but my professors and coaches are always there to support me,\u201d Barthlow said. \u201cTime management is a crucial skill that student athletes have to gain in order to balance academics and athletics.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Barthlow started playing softball when she was 7 years old, but she said she did not think it would be possible to play this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlaying during the pandemic has given me a sense of normalcy again,\u201d Barthlow said. \u201cSoftball is such a stress reliever and a great break from studying for the MCAT and for my classes. It allows me to play my favorite game with my best friends.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite her busy schedule, Barthlow was named Player of the Week by the MAC Commonwealth organization after leading the softball team to four straight wins over Albright University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt feels rewarding knowing that all of my hard work during the pandemic and off season had paid off,\u201d Barthlow said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The softball team is playing a shortened season with only 28 games this year compared to a normal season of around 40 games. The Blazers are 7-11 with 10 games left to be played.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"