What do you do when there's nothing to do? Normally, we at Austin Peay are enjoying winding the year to a close following graduation, preparing for the summer be it training, recruiting or some much-needed rest and relaxation. With the world at large in a state of flux, athletics is no different. Each week, we'll check in on one of our own to see how they're coping with the new normal. This is Change In Season, detailing how members of the athletic department are dealing with the upending of our work lives. Today's guest: assistant tennis coach Maria Sorbello Morrison.  

How has the virus affected your day-to-day work operation?

I am home more than I've ever been. So a lot more phone calls, emails, video calls. Trying to get ahead on a lot of things, like looking at recruits for down the road, budgets, organizing our outdoor courts to finish being resurfaced.

How has the uncertainty affected your overall well-being?

Well I look at my computer and phone a lot more. My eyes have started to hurt, so I've had to buy these blue light glasses, which help great! Ross (Brown) saw them on video the other day, he laughed and said I was getting old.

But my dogs love it, I walk them a lot around the neighborhood. Fittest dogs now!

Take away work—how has this affected how you live your life?

I am used to dining out and traveling around, I am okay with not doing these things for a time frame.  If it helps bring down the cases. I think what can get hard is doing the same things every day, so I try to mix it up. I like to drive my dogs through the Starbucks drive thru for Pupcups, or just take a drive with my husband, Seth or start new home projects.

How do you cope with such drastic changes in the work day?

Take it one day at a time. Try to have a different goal for each day. There is always something new to try or do.

How much does it suck to lose your championship season?

It sucks a lot, we had our women's team predicted to go back to back on OVC Championships, so that really can put you down if you think too much about it. But our players are strong, they still want it, doesn't matter which year, they'll be going after it.

What do you miss most about losing out on this time with your team?

The fight. I love how they compete, practice and matches. Sweat all week on the practice court then leave it all out on the court when you take it to your opponent. Also, watching them grow through the process of fighting. There are ups and downs, but watching them get through the downs to get better is a joy I miss. 

How do you stay in touch with your team and let them know you're still focused on them and their well-being?

We have a group message board that we can all post on. Easy to see how everyone is doing and stay in touch.

What are some of the things you will be able to focus on now that you wouldn't usually during this time?

Cooking, which I hardly make any time for or try anything new. So now I have had enough time to try some new recipes out. Seth loves it. This time cooking has shown me how easy some recipes are that usually scare me away from trying. Just need to go exercise more now!

How important will self-care be during this time? What will you do to focus on you?

It's really important to keep taking care of yourself, keeping busy. You don't want to dwell on anything negative, maybe even find new things to try.  

What I will do is to make sure I'm active every day, in some way possible. I like walking our dogs a lot or taking them on car rides, Netflix, more time to talk with my parents who are on a different continent.

What are you doing to help and reassure those that work with/for you?

I am always making myself available to help my players that are still on campus, also Ross and I always talk over the phone about our goals, now and over summer. Just being available to help is my biggest focus, especially our players that are international with no family around them.

What would you say to someone struggling with mental health during this time?

I would let them know there is always someone willing to help and don't be afraid to ask for help. We always tell our players that we are here for them. We are here to help. If we can't help, we can always give them the resources to get them help. Talking is the best when you're struggling.