For many students, spring break can be considered a crucial time for their own growth, whether that be physically, mentally or overall a break that was deeply needed. Student athletes may have a different view on spring break, however, and may even consider it as a time for athletic growth and practice.
“I like going to the gym whenever I don’t have anything to do, or sometimes if I know the field is open, I’ll come up here with some friends,” varsity soccer player Reagan Kemp (12) said.
Even though not all sports have required practices over spring break, many coaches still offer practices so that student athletes have the opportunity to improve their skills.
“Since this year we really need the girls to stay connected, I’m also going to stay here for spring break, because usually I leave,” girls soccer coach Sarah Guenther said. “…I’m going to stay over spring break and just have some training sessions out on our field, just to stay in touch and also get some practices in.”
On the other hand, some spring sports have practices consistently over spring break. This has actually implemented improvement among some athletes.
“We do dry land practices, which is like running and conditioning outside of the pool, and then we also lift weights,” varsity water polo player Oliver Nelsen (11) said. “…I usually get better over spring break because there’s more time for individual practice from our coach.”
Many students take advantage of practice time over spring break, while some may have to attend the practices that their coaches offer. For the girls lacrosse team, their coach offers practices in case some of the players want the extra practice during this time.
“Our coach offers optional practices over spring break, so definitely taking advantage of those is a good way to prepare,” Abby Hasty (11) said.
While some coaches may offer practices over spring break, other coaches have other systems in order to fit the practices that they need into everyone’s schedule.
“I would say they’re pretty lenient about it because I’m pretty sure they also like to take this time for themselves,” Kemp said, “…but I know she’s going to try and do practices over the weekend just to try and get enough practices in before our first game.”
Since one of the biggest factors of spring break is the amount of people who travel, coaches, as well as players, have to take that into account.
“A lot of people travel over spring break, so your mind kind of gets taken off of it,” Hasty said. “…As long as you’re staying focused, I dont think it’s that hard.”