The cancellation of fall varsity sports due to the coronavirus pandemic, has created an opportunity for McGillAthletics.ca to profile two student-athletes every week. In our "Home & Away Series" we rotate between individuals that have elected to take online courses from their family home, and others that are doing their online studies from their on-campus residence.  
 
Meet Sarah-Lena Grogg, a member of McGill University's women's golf program currently pursuing a degree in psychology. The second-year native of Maskinonge, Que., is spending the holiday season with family after having spent the majority of the semester in Montreal completing her online courses and training as much as possible. 

"This year has been a really tough one for everyone, but I feel as though I've grown quite a bit as a person," says Grogg. "Comparing myself to where I was last year, these hardships have allowed me to discover myself to a greater degree and really shown me the value of connection and being with the people who are most important to you. I like to think I've made the best of the situation and am feeling food about the new year." 

Grogg was enthusiastic heading into this season -- golf was one of the first sports that was permitted to return to play during the summer, and she took advantage, hitting the range and course immediately to work on her game. At one point, she was playing nearly every day. Although courses shut down shortly thereafter, she's stayed focused and is looking forward to a potential 2021 campaign, working on her game in other ways and staying in contact with the coaching staff.  
 
"The way that I train has changed a lot, I was lucky enough to grab some weights before the lockdown that have helped out quite a bit. Since I live in an apartment, I try to keep it down as best I can, so I've been doing a lot of plyometrics, work with lighter weights, some online classes as well. At this point I'm used to it and am feeling good about the routine that I'm in. Definitely feeling confident heading into next season." 
 
Grogg has kept in touch with teammates, a support group she's very appreciative of. They had the opportunity to practice together at times over the summer, and they've done a nice job of staying in touch and supportive over the semester. She's also had the chance to spend more time with her partner, and they are quarantining together prior to the holidays with family.  
 
With plenty of time to think, one addition to her "To Do" list has been traveling to visit family in Europe. Her dad's side of the family is from Switzerland, and COVID-19 has had Grogg prioritizing the importance of family - she hopes to see them sometime in 2021, and looks forward to appreciating a sense of normalcy. 

SOURCE:
Zachary McRae
Sports Info Office
McGill Athletics & Recreation
zachary.mcrae@mcgill.ca
(514) 616-5573