Coming back to a sport after off-season can bring many different emotions. It can cause anxiety, joy, excitement, nerves, panic, and so much more; which is why it is especially important to make sure an athlete has the proper tools and preparation to be successful before their season starts. So as the fall sports are slowly winding down and coming to an end, and the winter sports are starting to begin, athletes and teams are in the beginning stages of preparing for their upcoming seasons through training, communication, team bonding, and different mental exercises.

An obvious way athletes prepare for their seasons is optional strength training and conditioning. Jay Stewart, a senior swimmer, talked about how he participated in club swim during the summer to help prepare himself. Many other athletes do similar things to help keep their bodies in good health. It is important to slowly allow your body to get back into the habit of consistent exercise, to help prevent injuries as the season picks-up. Without proper physical preparation an athlete may become more prone to injuries or could struggle more at the start of the season.

The physical preparation aspect is specifically what most people tend to think of when they hear “preparing for the season” but there is much more to it besides physical training. Landon Mobely a high school senior and a swimmer stated, “Preparing as a team is more communication”, it is important to have clear communication as a team as to what the goals of the season are, when it starts, what the expectations are, what the practices are/what you should expect, and more. Without communication it is very easy to get lost or confused, and can cause misunderstandings about major events or practices. Communication also helps with team bonding and creating a healthy space for all the athletes to learn and grow.

Landon Mobely stated, “I think that the most important team goal is to maintain the team bond and traditions”, weather or not teams get a long can make or break a season, not only competition wise, but how much athletes are able to enjoy the season all rely on getting along with the team.

While you don’t have to be best friends with everyone without a good bond, athletes may not feel as safe trying new things within the sport and it can take away the enjoyment all together. A good bond can create a safe place that nurtures and supports all athletes and allows for everyone to work better as a team.

Finally I want to talk about arguably one of the most important aspects of preparing for an upcoming season, which is mental exercises. Mental health controls so many young adults today, especially athletes. It is easy to succumb to the anxiety of performing in front of people; fear of letting people down; or stress of balancing school, sports, and life in general. Not only does that make an athlete miserable but it also takes their attention and focus off of practices, causing a lack of focus or motivation. So it is extremely important for athletes to mentally prepare themselves before their upcoming season and to allow themselves breaks even during the season.

So as the winter sports are slowly picking up, it is crucial that athletes begin preparing physically, mentally, and as a team to help protect their physical and mental health as well as help create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for all athletes involved. Without proper preparation
the consequences could quickly catch up to you.