There are many athletes out there that are so passionate about their sport that they would just do anything to play. Reading that sentence makes me think of any girls volleyball team in Illinois. Speaking for not only the Marist Volleyball Program but every team in the state, we do not want our season to be  robbed because of it being considered a “contact sport”. 
Other than touching the same ball, volleyball has minimal contact between players. With the net in between teams, it reduces physical contact with other players. We suggest things such as timeouts dedicated to wipe the game ball down or even physically switch out the ball after a certain amount of points. 
Knowing the dedication of not only the senior class, younger players and staff, we would be willing to take any safety precautions needed to have a season in the fall and to fight for a state title one last time. 
Please sign this petition to help every girls volleyball team in Illinois to get a season this fall. We will not settle to end in such a heart breaking way. If wearing masks has to be the new norm in the sport, we will take that step. Any athlete knows the feeling of stepping out on the court or field, putting that jersey on and then going out to represent your school colors. So please, help girls volleyball have a season this fall.