College preseasons begin for Division I

Seven Division I conferences may have already canceled or postponed the fall season.

But preseason began tentatively around the country at women’s DI programs looking to salvage some semblance of a 2020 season.

Even removing the uncertainty with regards to a context of playing for a national championship – a possibility that remains – it’s a college soccer preseason unlike any before. With masks, social distancing and medical instructions ruling the day.

While at this point in the year, some semblance of a season looks likely, it’s difficult to envisage a championship taking place without a chunk of teams competing. Issues have already cropped up. The Courier-Journal reported this week that 29 at Louisville tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the suspension of training for the men's and women's soccer teams. The report said that the men's soccer team had the most cases. They aren't the first, and won't be the last.

Still, the work began this week. Check out some sights and sounds from several Division I teams around the country.

Ready or not. 🤫#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/qII0zHvQB6

— Auburn Soccer (@AuburnSoccer) August 5, 2020

Glad to be back on the pitch today with our full squad for the first official practice. #GoHoos pic.twitter.com/JC4RgOquXG

— Virginia Women's Soccer (@UVAWomenSoccer) August 4, 2020

Day 2️⃣ is in the books ✅ pic.twitter.com/VzKY0FjjKI

— FSU Soccer (@FSUSoccer) August 5, 2020

First training session in the books ☑ pic.twitter.com/hlgbVuzDZD

— Tennessee Soccer (@Vol_Soccer) August 5, 2020

It looked a little different than we imagined 😷

BUT preseason camp is underway 🙌 #ChargeOn | #BestIsOurStandard pic.twitter.com/49leEXBmT9

— UCF Women's Soccer (@UCF_WSoccer) August 5, 2020

Nothing else like it. 𝙒𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 ☝️⚽️#FuelTheFire pic.twitter.com/6gR2dbhxrr

— Oklahoma Soccer (@OU_WSoccer) August 4, 2020

We sure did miss this 🤗🥳🤩#WeAre pic.twitter.com/qGIlgMxGwR

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) August 6, 2020

We’ve been waiting such a long time.

Even if it’s fitness testing, we are SO excited to be back at practice. ⚽️💪#Huskers #GBR #DayOne pic.twitter.com/RAPzZXBB7k

— Nebraska Soccer (@NebraskaSoccer) August 4, 2020