Off-sports seasons stay productive at Skyline. Off-season practice is crucial for success during the standard season.
But what are our athletes doing outside of the seasons to get ready and stay involved? Well-rounded, thriving sports teams require mental, physical, and social efforts.
Coaches try their hardest to offer options for growth in the off-season. Skyline athletics often partners with specialized camps for their players during the summer that break down basic skills and get players lots of time learning from other coaches with new points of view. “We are trying to get the boys out to get touches on the ball,” says Varsity Men’s Soccer Coach Christopher Morgan, “so we bring in a company called Next Level Training, they train agility and skill…then competitive games.”
The volleyball team runs a camp similar to the boys soccer team. “We do a Gold Medal Squared Camp,” says JV Volleyball Coach Erin Schutes, “which is an all-week camp in July where it can help with understanding where athletes are at and meeting them where they’re at to add to their skill set.”
Some off-season athletes focus on injury recovery and playing another sport or travel sports. Coaches and players view these all differently. “I play for Liverpool,” says Men’s Soccer Captain Shea Parker (‘25), “while also doing a lot of gym work and strength training.” Playing other sports or advanced travel sports can enhance players’ athletic abilities.
Weight training can also be helpful. “Plyometrics is such a great way to increase your quickness on the court,” says Schutes. “Also, any form of bodyweight strength training for your arms…important for your power on your swing and your serve…when playing two sports you are taught to be great multitaskers, communicators, and time managers.”
As athletes get closer to a possible college athlete experience, it’s important to get their names out there during both off season and in-season. “We send kids on college visits,” says Varsity Football Head Coach Broderick Smith, “then share their football profiles with college coaches.”
Positive outcomes don’t come without hard work, motivation, and struggles. Sports are all about being a teammate and that comes from off and on the field/court activities. The off-season drive to be your best self will benefit your experience with Skyline Athletics in ways you can’t even imagine. “Having a strong football culture always starts with developing leadership, accountability and commitment,” says Smith. “Once these are in place, kids start to work harder and trust each other… while still can believ[ing] in themselves and the team.”
