TOWSON, Md. – Even though
Melissa Graham knew the grim news was inevitable, it still didn't soften the sting once the Towson University senior distance runner learned the decisive verdict.
On March 12th, Towson athletics followed suit with several conferences and schools across the country upon the recommendations of health officials and medical professionals to reduce the risk from the COVID-19 outbreak to cancel the spring sport season out of an abundance of caution.
"When I found out the spring season was officially canceled I was at home," Graham said. "I found out from my teammates who saw a post from the (Colonial Athletic Association). I was sad, but honestly not surprised. I pretty much expected it as soon as they suspended our season. That was when I was the most upset because I figured that meant it was coming. I was still hopeful, but at the rate COVID-19 was spreading I figured it would be dangerous to have competitions all over the country."
Even though Graham and the rest of her teammates weren't able to create sterling memories this spring on the track, she can take solace in the ones she enjoyed during her career. Graham was a member of the Tigers' first CAA championship team in program history in 2017.
"It was incredible to be a part of that energy," Graham reflected. "There were so many tears of joy and everyone came together and was so happy. I felt so connected to the team because of that moment and I will never forget it."
Last outdoor season Graham ran personal best times in the 800 at the Morgan State Legacy Meet) and 1,500-meter run of at the Hopkins Loyola Invitational).
Graham, like everybody else, has had to adjust to a different daily routine. The affable psychology major from Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, which is a hop, skip and a jump from Philadelphia continues to run and do body weight exercises to stay fit. In addition to spending lots of quality time with her family, she's been watching lots of new shows and putting together puzzles.
She also rediscovered a vintage form of entertainment: The Wii.
Graham has transformed her kitchen into a Food Network set as she's baked banana bread, lemon pound cake, and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies during her time at home.
"Even though I am done with running due to the season being shortened, I still enjoy getting out for a run everyday and want to stay in shape," Graham said. "Since I have so much free time now, I have no excuse for not taking the time to get in a good workout. I have done a lot of things since I've been home that I don't normally do."
Graham has also started the process of applying to graduate school as she works toward her dream job of becoming a sport psychologist. The first step to her doctorate is to earn her master's degree in either mental health counseling or sports psychology starting next fall. She aspires to either work with a professional team or in a practice with the goal of having her private practice one day.
Her most impactful experience was interning last summer in the neurobehavioral outpatient clinic at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore. She worked with kids from ages 3 to 21 who had behavioral disorders.
"It was an incredible eye-opening experience," Graham said. "I got to record data during therapy sessions as well as run therapy sessions with the children. I learned a lot working with this population because it is one of the hardest groups to work with as a therapist and I gained a lot of respect for the people who do it everyday.
"It was extremely rewarding to see the progress of these kids' behaviors because not only was it changing the kids' lives, but it was making a huge difference in the parents' lives as well. It made me grow even more excited about my career because I can't wait to help people with their mental struggles that affect the things they love doing."
While Graham's love of running came to a premature conclusion, she's thankful for the lessons learned as a student-athlete. The resilient Graham knows they will serve her well in the future.
"There were times when I didn't believe in myself as much as my coaches did, but they pushed me to do things I didn't know I could do in order for me to gain confidence," Graham said. "(Being a Towson student-athlete) has taught me to be more fearless and to trust my training. From now on I need to remember to believe in myself and take chances to achieve my goals. I am very passionate about mental health in sports and I am excited for the next chapter."
