GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - With the 2019-20 athletics season being cut short due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we're shining a spotlight on some of the athletes that won't get to compete this spring because of it. In this article, we get to know Jordan Caskenette of the men's lacrosse team. Caskenette is a junior from Owen Sound, Ontario in his first year with the program.
 
1. As a native of Owen Sound, Ontario what was it like growing up there and when did you start playing competitively?
Owen Sound is a small town with a small-town vibe, everyone knows everyone. Owen Sound is backed onto Georgian Bay meaning there's plenty of places to swim, boat, fish and hiking trails. My town is very passionate about sports and the sporting community is very tight knit, especially when it comes to hockey and lacrosse, which were my two sports growing up. I started playing lacrosse competitively when I was four years old playing for my hometown Owen Sound NorthStars.  
 
2. Having spent your first two seasons playing collegiately in Canada, what are the biggest differences between that and going to school at Davenport?
The biggest difference between playing in Canada versus playing in the NCAA with Davenport is the dedication of my teammates and the amount of work we put into the program. The team I played for back in Canada is established and very well known, where Davenport being a first-year Division II program, we must work hard every day to establish a foundation for the program.  
 
3. You were off to a great start this spring with 11 goals and at least one goal in all six games, how disappointing was it to find out the season was over?
Like every other student-athlete, I was devastated to hear our season would no longer continue. Especially when our team was just coming together on and off the field. The biggest disappointment was for our seniors who didn't get to finish their careers on their own terms. I respect the NCAA decision to grant them another year of eligibility. In the end, I understand why and hope we can pick up where we left off.
 
4. With the season ending so abruptly, have you been able to communicate with your teammates and continue to build a bond with them?
With technology these days it's easy to stay in communication with teammates, but nothing will beat getting to see the smile on a teammates face when we get to battle on the field.
 
5. What has been your favorite class at Davenport and why?
In my short time at Davenport my favorite class so far would have to be Coaching and Athletic Leadership. It shows me different coaching perspectives and taught me how to motivate my teammates in order to get the best out of each other.
 
6. Even though it was a brief couple of games, what did you and the team learn about playing NCAA for the first time?
In our first few games in the NCAA, it was obvious to us that every game was going to be a battle no matter our opponent. Whether the team was ranked in top 10 in the country or in the bottom 10, we must show up every game to give ourselves the best chance to win. In the first few games, I believe we proved if we show up every day and put in the work, we can be a force to be reckoned with. Big things are coming!