Many high school athletes will be able to get back to sports Monday after the state lifted its ban on what it considers "high-risk" winter sports. 

For athletes like Lillian Northrup, who will be playing her last semester of basketball at Webster Schroeder High School, this opportunity to play again means everything.

"It's just so exciting,” said Northrup. “Like I truly think part of me, I'm unconsciously working harder than I ever have because my body my brain is telling me this is your last time to play basketball so put it all out there."

She and other players will have to give it their all because seasons are cut short.

"Usually our season's a marathon,” said Northrup. “You jog, you spring, you run...But these six weeks are a sprint. And everyone is sprinting. And that's just how it feels in the gym it's awesome."

Karen and Gerard Iglesia with 585 Primetime Ballers have been advocating for winter sports to come back in Monroe County. Karen says because the season is shortened, athletes will have to buckle down.

“I was trying to tell the kids, listen, it wasn’t easy to get this to happen,” said Karen. “So be diligent. Wear your mask. Do what you’re supposed to do. Stop the parties the get-togethers.”

The Monroe County Department of Public Health said sports can resume as long as there's no evidence of a variant of the virus in the Finger Lakes region, the positivity rate is decreasing locally, and residents continue to follow COVID-19 guidelines. Travel within the Finger Lakes and nearby regions for games will also be allowed.

The health department recognizes the physical and mental health benefits of students playing sports but it continues to urge caution.

"We have to look at the whole child. And for athletes, that's part of who they are,” said Karen.

 "The resumption of play in higher-risk sports and activities does not come without risks. Players are not always able to adhere to the measures we know are effective in limiting the transmission of COVID-19, including mask-wearing and physical distancing."

— Monroe County Department of Public Health

The department points to an outbreak in Florida that came from a wrestling tournament as an example.

The green light for high-risk sports also allows leagues and organizations outside of schools to play. Those include adult and youth teams.