When the coronavirus pandemic closed down sports and sent most students home from college, it meant student-athletes now would be studying and training remotely. Even with guidelines and video meetings in place, a lot of the motivation and accountability would need to come from the players themselves.
On Thursday during a video conference with media members, a reporter asked Virginia football coach Bronco Mendenhall if any players had stood out as leaders during this time. He didn’t hesitate for even a second.
Mendenhall said: “Terrell Jana and Charles Snowden. Those two are exemplary in how they’re leading. I’m really impressed.”
Among the visible leadership activities that those two have helped lead is a social media campaign that spread beyond the football team. Under the hashtag #HoosYourHero on Twitter, Virginia student-athletes have been recognizing some of their heroes, focused heavily on health-care workers, during the global pandemic. Here are a few examples from the football team.
A special thanks to all working to help keep us safe during these trying times. Nurses, doctors, health workers, grocery store clerks, etc. Today I’m recognizing Patty Carruba, who has helped many student athletes connect with children at UVA Children’s Hospital! #HoosYourHero pic.twitter.com/IybfG3xeQ5
— Terrell Jana (@Rell_604) May 12, 2020
Essential workers have been on the front lines fighting Covid-19. Our doctors, nurses & other medical personnel have sacrificed a lot & deserve recognition. I’m starting #HoosYourHero by recognizing my hero, @BFrackleton. Thank you! If you’re tagged, post yours#TheRealHeroes pic.twitter.com/qhu2KF0C0i
— Charles Snowden III (@csnoww3) May 12, 2020
Through these hard times, it is important to extend a thank you to the heroes keeping everyone safe and healthy. I want to give a shoutout to my Aunt Linda working hard at UPMC Shadyside! #HoosYourHero pic.twitter.com/TapG6GqptY
— ZZ (@zzandier) May 15, 2020
Thank you to @koobtwit for being on the front lines in California during these crazy times! Your dedication and selflessness doesn’t go unnoticed. Virginia Football and myself want to thank you personally. I nominate @haskins_b @kristen_leland1 @WicksDontayvion pic.twitter.com/0H2aaZjhrR
— Brennan Armstrong (@bstrong34) May 21, 2020
To all the first responders and essential workers out there…THANK YOU! You are truly appreciated for all your sacrifices. I want to highlight my best friend’s mom @LukeMcLain11! If tagged, post yours! #HoosYourHero pic.twitter.com/KmRdpJ1TsH
— Joey Blount (@JoeyBlount8) May 15, 2020
Thank you @Rell_604! Want to give a special shoutout to Danielle Dix at UVa hospital for connecting UVa athletes to patients! Thank you to all workers keeping us safe and working to beat this pandemic! I challenge @bstrong34 @zzandier @dabbers29 to show #HoosYourHero pic.twitter.com/W83gYhw9VN
— Chris Glaser (@Cglaser17) May 12, 2020
Here are a handful more from women’s soccer and field hockey.
#HoosYourHero ? Dr. Statuta valiantly works in UVa sports med. She has gotten me through some tough times physically and emotionally and continues to do the same for so many throughout this pandemic. Thank you Dr. Statuta and can’t wait to see you on Grounds again soon 李 pic.twitter.com/wB1vepLehv
— Laurel Ivory (@laurelivory) May 17, 2020
#HoosYourHero? Mine is Stacey Guidry, a nurse practitioner in McKinney, TX & close family friend. Mrs. Guidry has selflessly put her health on the line day after day during this crisis. Thank you, Mrs. Guidry, for your bravery and commitment to restoring health to our community. pic.twitter.com/0q9lM6Lwmf
— d (@diana0rdonez) May 17, 2020
My #HoosYourHero is Mike Shim, a pulmonary and critical care doctor who works at The University of Virginia treating patients and researching and creating new drugs. Thank you for all you do to keep us safe! You are #TheRealHeroes pic.twitter.com/2TMoCr0lOk
— Greer Gill (@greergill14) May 15, 2020
My #HoosYourHero is Gerri Koss, a frontline nurse who works at The University of Michigan main hospital in Ann Arbor. Thank you for all that you do to keep us safe. You are #therealheroes pic.twitter.com/fNbmPJMnvY
— Alexa Spaanstra (@alexaspaanstra) May 13, 2020
My #HoosYourHero is a close friend of mine, @annemariebanes. As a third year nursing student, she took a call to action working at Riddle Hospital on a COVID-19 Clinical Support Team. Thank you for your bravery and commitment, you are AMAZING. pic.twitter.com/S0cqJVmPyR
— Makayla Gallen (@makayla_gallen) May 18, 2020
#HoosYourHero? Mine’s the entire Eccles family! I want to extend a massive thanks Mr. Eric (a firefighter) and Mrs. Jen (a nurse) for their dedication to always helping others, especially in a time like this! So appreciative of you both (and, as always, your superhero daughter)懶 pic.twitter.com/UHmjY4Cvsn
— Becca Jarrett (@beccajarr) May 13, 2020
Clearly, the student-athletes are fans of their heroes. Let’s dive into the rest of TheSabre.com’s Fan Friday!
Fan(s) Of The Week
Two pom poms to cheer on the Hoos.
Student Fan(s) Of The Week
On the front row to support the Wahoos!
Feature Photo Of The Week
Terrell Jana in action on the field.