ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Students at Monroe Community College (MCC) are lacing up for the spring season, as one of the SUNY campuses restarting competitive sports.

For student athletes at Monroe Community College, being back on the field feels a bit strange, but in the best of ways.

“We’re learning the new rules due to COVID, like no locker room and we can’t have one big group so it’s a learning curve," men's baseball sophomore Trey Brown said. "But we like to say figure it out, and that’s what we’re doing, figuring it out.”

“I have some of my best friends on this team that I haven’t seen in however long. It’s definitely great to reconnect those friendships again,” women's soccer sophomore Mya Mahon said.

Athletic Director Aaron Bouyea says coming up with a safe way to play was a top priority. 

“This is who they are, this is what they’ve done for so long. It’s such an important piece of their identity, their mental and physical wellbeing," Bouyea said. "So when you sit out for over a year and you’re isolated, that begins to take a toll.”

Only 13 of the 21 community colleges MCC regularly competes are also returning to compete, but Bouyea says that’ll allow for a more relaxed and safer schedule.

“We’re trying to reduce how much we’re traveling, no more overnights; we’re not leaving New York State. And we’re gonna try to reduce our travel to Western New York,” Bouyea said.

The season officially begins March 20 with a double header baseball game against Erie Community College.

“We’re slowly taking a step forward, I think it’s such a big step for us and for everybody else to know we’re turning the corner and things are getting better,” Bouyea said.

Now the students just have to shake off the rust.

“We’ll take care of it. We’re getting it done. And we’re just learning, getting to know each other and feel the ball again," Brown said. "Throw the ball, hit it, it’s just crazy and we’re excited.”

The competitive sports resuming this season include baseball, lacrosse, soccer and softball.