In Their Own Words - Postcard from Declan Watters

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AKRON, Ohio - We continue updates from across the country and the world in what we like to call Postcards from The Zips. Up next, from men's soccer is Akron redshirt junior Declan Watters (Dublin, Ireland).

First off, are you and your family doing well?
Thankfully, both my family and I are all safe and healthy.

Where are you currently?
I'm currently in Akron.

If you went home, talk about the importance of having your family around as we went through quarantine?
I spent the first few months of the pandemic in Akron with some of my teammates. It was great to have the lads around during that time as a support system and luckily, we were able to keep ourselves busy and happy throughout quarantine. I recently returned to Akron after having been home for more than a month. It was really comforting to be with my family, to be able to see that they're all safe and just spending time with them again was lovely.

Can you describe what it has means to be a Zip, especially during this time?
For me, being a Zip is to be part of an incredibly special community of people, all striving to be the best they can be while also looking out for one another. I feel very lucky and proud to be a Zip, especially during tough times like these.

How are you feeling knowing that you'll be back on campus soon?
I couldn't be more excited to get back on campus to see everyone again and to get back to work with the lads.

Discuss your feelings as the events were occurring that ultimately led to the cancellation of spring sports and you returning home or quarantining in Akron?
Naturally, myself and my teammates were all disappointed our spring season got cut short as we felt like we were definitely trending upwards and improving as a team with every training session and game. However, we obviously understood that it was necessary for the health and safety of everyone.

What are some of the things you have been doing lately to maintain and/or build your fitness for the anticipated return of sports this fall?
We are able to exercise within a 5km radius of our home here in Ireland, so I was out running six days a week and doing some strength and ball work at home as well.

Favorite summertime activities?
I love the beach, exercising outside and the occasional game of golf, but truth be told my golf game is a little rough around the edges.

What are some shows or movies that you have enjoyed watching while in quarantine?
One show that I didn't think I would like, but actually ended up really enjoying was "The Test" a documentary on the Australian Cricket team on Amazon Prime.

What was your favorite class you took this past year or during your time at Akron?
My favorite class during my time at Akron so far was actually a class I took in my first semester, human relations with Dr. Amy Moore-Ramirez. It was a great class with an amazing professor.

Discuss your communication with your teammates around the world and back here in Ohio during this time?
Me and my teammates have been able to keep in touch really well even with us being scattered all around the world. We talk a lot in WhatsApp groups, and we've had zoom meetings almost every week as well.

The University of Akron Athletics

In Their Own Words - Postcard from Declan Watters

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