In My Own Words: Rider reflects on lost season at WKU

In her freshman season at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky., former Harrisburg standout Madeline Rider played in four games with two at-bats with one hit and one run scored, before the Coronavirus (COVID-19) canceled the spring sports season.
Rider reflects on a missed season in this week's edition of "In My Own Words"
I am heartbroken that my freshman softball season at WKU was cut short due to this unfortunate situation. We had so much potential this season. We were ranked 31st in the nation and had a record of 20-5. I do believe the NCAA made the correct and difficult decision of ending this season but it is still upsetting. I'm grateful that we could all be granted an extra year of eligibility, but some seniors around the country still played their last softball game without even knowing it. This off season gives us even more time to come back and be a stronger team than ever! So I am excited to see how next season plays out.
My favorite memory of this past year was WKU's Homecoming. Our softball team held our annual Alumni Game and I ended up hitting a home run. Later, my teammates and I went to the football game and had a great time!
The first thought or word that came to mind when I found out my season was over was: Confused and disappointed.
My plans now until I have to go back to school are spending the rest of the semester working on my online classes. Even though this is a terrible situation we're in, I can spend a lot more time focusing on my school work. I also plan on working towards my softball game; running, hitting, or playing catch.