Roadrunner women's soccer coach Megan Ruttler wasn't surprised early this week to hear the news that the 2020 season has been moved to the Spring of 2021 due to health care concerns with the COVID 19 pandemic.

The veteran coach is confident the change will yield positive results, although the program is in unchartered territory.

Following the recommendations from the NJCAA Presidential Advisory Council and the NJCAA Board of Regents, the NJCAA announced its adjusted plan of action for the upcoming 2020-21 academic year. Following the Board of Regents' vote on July 13, a majority of competition will be moved to the spring semester.

Roadrunner Men's and Women's Soccer will see their first competition of the year on April 2, 2021 with practices allowed to begin March 15th. National Championships have been moved to early-June.

The soccer programs will also plan to have a fall practice season. Practice dates are to be determined in the coming weeks by NJCAA Region XIX Soccer Committee and RCSJ. 

"It's disappointing that the season has to be moved -- we have such a great group returning and some talented incoming players, so we were pumped to start the season," Ruttler said. "That said, the times are rough and we respect the decision makers and that they have made the right move for everyone."

Coach Ruttler also hopes her program will take advantage of the new circumstances presented.

"We've never had a Fall practice season to work on our skills, so I think this will benefit the players and the coaches alike," said Ruttler. "We've seen our softball and baseball programs have the chance to compete in fall practice seasons, and it's really helped everyone."

Coach Ruttler also hopes the team is able to return to the NJCAA National Championship Tournament this spring. In the past her teams have qualified on numerous occasions for the tournament, typically held in chilly conditions in mid-November.

"If we make it, then we will get to play in much warmer weather -- now that would be really nice!" she laughed.