For senior Madison Shumaker, hearing about the school closing until mid-April did more than put school and activities on hold. As new announcements come every day from Governor Whitmer, her entire varsity softball season is up in the air, and for the time being the rest of the school year and senior activities. 

“I felt I was in disbelief at first,” Shumaker said. “I was kind of, like, this isn’t real.”

Adding to her worries, several members of Shumaker’s family suffer from illnesses putting them at a higher risk of getting coronavirus. This has led to her having to stay home from the very start of quarantine, and always having to make smart and safe choices for the well being of her family.  

“Me, I’m okay, but I still have to be careful,” Shumaker said. “I also have to be really careful of what I’m doing and where I’m going.” 

Similar to many senior spring athletes, the worries of not having a season this year dealt a crushing blow to Shumaker. She’s still reeling from how much things have changed and the uncertainty of what is coming next.

“I was super depressed about it because we only had one practice for softball,” Shumaker said. “Like we were just starting, and there was so much to look forward to this year. We have such high hopes for the season, and like it, just all got put on hold. I want to play. We wanted to put our name out there.”

During her first week of quarantine, Shumaker did the usual things like watching Netflix, sleeping in late and fitting in homework between the two. But since the state-wide lockdown, Shumaker needed a change of scenery. She was able to flee to her Aunt’s house in Manistee for a few weeks.

“I kinda just needed a break, because things like school and softball got me out of the house,” Shumaker said. “So now that you’re stuck in the house, you’re kinda like I need a change of scenery now.” 

Even with the relocation, Shumaker can’t escape the looming possibilities of cancellation, from prom to her graduation party. Everything is a big question mark.

“I’m kinda just taking it day by day right now,” Shumaker said.