The grind doesn’t stop outside of school. Beyond practices and games, student-athletes reveal the relentless routines outside of school that drive their success. These athletes go beyond the visible hours, embodying dedication in every aspect of their lives.
Varsity soccer player Caleb Pierre excels both on and off the field, playing for a club outside of school, going to the gym, and coaching kids’ soccer.
“I play for Two Bridgers Academy outside of school. I am 17 and I play for the under-19 team. Playing with guys older than me, some of whom play for college, helped me improve. Also, my job as a soccer coach for kids helped me improve as I got more touches on the ball while coaching the kids,” Pierre said. “I was not getting enough playing time my sophomore year; I was 5’10”, 130lb. Then, over the summer, I incorporated a high-protein diet with a workout and came back 5’11 and 150lb. It helped me be more physical and get more playing time.”
This shows the commitment school athletes put outside of school to improve themselves for the challenging environment while playing for the school. Varsity volleyball player, Jake Yang, not only competes for the school team but also participates in a club outside of school, maintaining a specific diet for optimal performance.
“I play for the NYC Impact Volleyball Club outside of school. We do conditioning every week, like running stairs or 50 laps around the gym. After every practice, I usually eat a protein bar or protein shake. It helped me a lot to put me in shape, understand the game better, and grow a good mentality,” Yang said.
The dedication to achieving physical and mental excellence is fostered through commitment beyond school hours. Going beyond the scheduled school activities and team practices, these strenuous efforts distinguish the player, highlighting a level of dedication that surpasses conventional expectations.
Varsity basketball player Alexandra Lyda is actively involved in off-season activities.
“During the off-season, I practice basketball with my team 3-4 times a week. I would also go to the gym on Saturdays with my mom,” Lyda said.
Athletes put in a considerable amount of effort during the off-season to show their dedication and keep in shape. Playing with teammates during the off-season and going to the gym, all add up to the performances in school games.
Varsity basketball player Jayda Feurtado underscores the coach’s pivotal support off the field.
“Over the summer, my coach prepared workouts for us, like abs and arm workouts and dribbling drills to do at home. The coach also gave us a diet plan, and I had put more protein in everything I ate because I was playing a position where I needed more weight,” Feurtado said.
This underscores the coach’s proactive role, urging athletes to extend their efforts beyond school practices and instill beneficial habits at home. The resulting improvements in the field speak to the effectiveness of this holistic approach.
“It was easier for me to play my position because of these changes,” Feurtado said. This determines that every sprint, every drill, and every nutritional choice made outside of school contributes to a winning formula in school games.
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