Central Methodist seniors get a second chance at goodbye

FAYETTE, Mo. (KMIZ)

The 2021 Central Methodist softball team ended up being a pretty unexpected group of girls. It's composed of every grade, including a couple of "super seniors."

Due to COVID-19, college athletes received an extra year of eligibility, however, the decision to return was not easy one.

“Some of them had different things already planned, there was a lot of tears and a lot of, hey I really want to come back, but is it really going to be worth it for me to come back," Eagles head coach Pat Reardon said.

Two seniors decided to return for one more year: Jordan Jenkins and Morgan Willis.

“It is different, you know, you have girls coming in that you just never thought you’d meet before, you know," Willis said. "Some of these freshmen, I was never supposed to meet them, maybe as an alumni coming back.”

The unexpected group that makes up the CMU softball team has expectations, including a deep postseason run.

“I thought we were going to go all the way last year. We didn’t have, obviously, not nearly as good as a start last year as we did this year, but I definitely could see it this year. I expect to be here until June," Jenkins said.

However, just one year after COVID-19 shut everything down unexpectedly, the team has also learned how to appreciate the little things.