Each spring athlete has a different goal. Whether that is beating a rival in women’s soccer or breaking your personal record (PR) in track, each athlete must show up ready to compete. It doesn’t matter what sport you have pursued, each team warms up, fuels, and supports each other through these few months.
When you have to show up every day, it is important you are helping your body perform to the best of its abilities. Spring sports demand energy, time, and focus. Skyline athletes are finding ways to stay healthy both physically and mentally.
“My favorite part of warm-up is our stretching circle,” says Skyline Women’s Varsity soccer player Josie Lovelace (‘28). “Before a game we all stretch while going around and sharing what our individual goals are for the game. It really helps me focus on the small things and connect to my team before playing.”
Calming the mind before playing is just as important as readying the body. A helpful thing to do is to create a routine filled with things that contribute to a good performance. These can include positive affirmations, food, hydration, or music. A lot of athletes like to fuel with carbs and electrolytes before workouts.
“I like eating pasta and some sort of electrolyte drink, like Propel, before games and practices,” says Skyline Women’s Varsity lacrosse player Sophie Ganamet (‘29). “I’ve learned that this combination helps me to perform my best on the field.”
To be able to continue to play your best, you must replenish yourself after a workout. Your choice of fuel can come in many forms. Many enjoy chocolate milk as a quick recovery drink, and some prefer a refreshing snack.
“After a regatta, I’ll have something that’s mainly fruits or vegetables,” says Skyline Crew athlete Reed Jemison-Blais (‘28). “Since I’ve had a lot of carbs before racing, I just feel like I’m already kind of full and want something light.”
By the end of the season, the student-athletes have given it their all. Showing up to practices, games, and school on top of everything else gets tiring after a while. When an athlete no longer has the motivation to keep showing up, there has to be someone or something that keeps pushing them.
“A major part of tennis practice is my friends that I have there,” says Skyline Women’s Junior Varsity tennis player Amara Reddy (‘28). “They inspire me to go to practice and create a fun environment to play in. So instead of showing up to practice dreading the next few hours, I know I can rely on my friends to make it a good time.”
Playing a sport takes a lot of mental and physical strength. Although every athlete has their own way to stay focused and fueled throughout the season, the right balance of friends and food can make for a fun few months.
“Try and get to know your teammates as much as possible,” says Skyline Women’s Varsity lacrosse player Molly Greenberg (‘26). “A strong connection makes it easier to stay positive together.”
