MONMOUTH, Ore. -- The 2020 season was off to a strong start for Joshua McIntyre and although he thought about the possibility of coming back for another season, he was ready to take his degree and work on starting his career.

Working towards being in law enforcement, McIntyre has continued to pursue that option since leaving WOU, along with seeing what other possible opportunities might exist.

"I've pretty much been working and trying to find a career that best suits what I want for the future," McIntyre said. "Along with being in the process for law enforcement, I have been exploring the other avenues I can go while using my degree and talents."

When the events of 2020 started to take place and finishing what would have been his senior season was not going to happen, McIntyre turned to his faith and was ready for the next chapter of his life.

"This past year and a half was unique and had some serious challenges. With everything that happened and the job market being in a bad spot, I was at a point where sports and school were done and I was left with the question "What do I do now?" McIntyre said. "I feel like this is something many student-athletes face after sports is done. After sports ends and school is done, I feel like people go on a journey in discovering their true identity. Some adjust quickly, while for others it takes some time. For me, I was really able to find comfort in my faith and as a Christian and understand "What is it that I'm being called to do," what are the gifts, tools and talents I've been given and how can I be a light? A strong faith and good support network can help you on that journey of finding your purpose."

Looking back on 2020, McIntyre and the Wolves were hitting their stride right as everything came to a halt. He hit home runs in back-to-back games against Central Washington, was hitting over .300 and had 11 RBI over the first 12 games he played in to start the year.

Although he hasn't been able to compete at WOU this year, McIntyre has stayed in contact with several players on the team and continued to follow the progress of the program.

"Oh yeah, I've kept in touch with some of the guys like Tyler Brandenburg, Jayden Hanna and Blayze Arcano and some others," McIntyre said. "For the most part, I was following WOU baseball's great run to regionals. The team this year was very talented and I was glad to see them have such a great season. Every one of them earned it."

It's hard to believe that he has already been out of school and graduated for a year, but McIntyre has been taking it all in stride learning and growing each day.

"Time goes by fast for sure," McIntyre said. "For me what I enjoy the most is discovering yourself beyond school and sports."