‘We’re not going to let it paralyze us’: UVU and BYU soccer teams show unity in rivalry match after shooting

OREM, Utah (ABC4) —Normally, Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University are rivals on the field, but on Friday night, that was not the case, as BYU and UVU students attended a soccer match with unity in mind.

South Field felt different than normal Friday night as the Brigham Young University girls’ soccer team took on Utah Valley University (UVU), just days after Charlie Kirk was assassinated at UVU.

“It’s not just a game because there is that underlying thing that’s on everyone’s mind, so it’s that unity with them like we know what they went through, and we respect it and were there to help however we can, even though we can still play a competitive day of soccer,”  Tyler Nance, a BYU student, said.

Students are still trying to cope, and the game had a whole different meaning to the fans in the stands.

“There’s a rivalry, but it’s a 10-minute drive, and so everyone is competitive, but being here, it’s a sense of unity being here and continuing to play and represent our communities as a whole in Utah Valley,” Lauren Howe, a UVU graduate, said.

Some students, like Tyler Nance, showed up to show support to both teams.

“All week it was just a soccer game, but with recent events, the fact they still chose to have this game kind of feels like a community event,” Nance said.

With many other school events canceled this week for UVU, the athletic department says the girl’s soccer team decided to continue the soccer game Friday night. Jacob Rosbenbruch, with UVU Marketing Athletics, said, “We want something to celebrate, and life is something to enjoy, and we still want to enjoy that.”

Fans from both sides packed the stands. Many are grieving together and also trying to heal together. UVU Student Jake Howe said, “Around Utah County, there’s a lot of love for each other right now, and we’re united.”

“I feel like we’re all just coming together to be together and agree on something,” Jenny Goodman, who attends BYU, said.

“The world is a scary place, so when people are able to come together, I think it’s a great way to cope,” Piper Ledding, also a BYU student, added.

“I know a ton of athletes were there when the event occurred, and I just wanted to come and support my friends as they went through it, something no one should ever experience,” Lauren Howe said.

After an emotional and difficult week in Utah County, this rivalry game brought students from both schools closer than ever before.

“It’s a good show to say this happened, but life is going to move on, and we are not going to let this ruin things, even though it’s sad. We’re not going to let it paralyze us,” Nance said.

UVU teachers will be back on campus on Monday, and students will head back to campus on Wednesday.