Achieving senior athletic status at Saint Viator is quite an accomplishment.
After connecting with over a dozen senior athletes, players offer many valuable tips to younger competitors. Senior David Koziol, a 4-year varsity golfer and co-captain, suggests to “practice with a purpose and hit the weight room.” Selecting one skill to strengthen as you practice toward one goal is a good way to create purpose.
To stay at the top of your sport and prevent injuries, “do training of some sort, like lifting, speed agility, stretching, and muscle mobility in the off season,” recommends college-commit basketball guard Mia Bergstrom. In addition, “avoid procrastination” and “find sleep,” advises senior break-out wrestler Natalie Gubernat. It’s important to “take care of yourself in order to stay on top of your game,” she says.
Senior varsity softball success, Hannah Grossman, advises players to “train something daily whether it be mentally or physically. If it’s your off-day, it’s a great day for play review or even to just watch the sport to keep your mind active.”
As for motivation, Meghan Hayes, a senior varsity golfer and basketball player lives by advice given to her: “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” So what does this truly mean? No matter what, “always try your best and put in the work,” she says. This advice enhances our sportsmanship. “You cannot control other people’s actions; you can solely control your reactions,” asserts senior competitive dancer, Molly Boyle.
And let’s not forget the coaches, “really listen to your coaches,” advises Gubernat, “since they should know what’s best for you to succeed and go far.” At the same time, Grossman wants athletes to recognize that their sport is “something [they] do, not who [they] are. Make sure to keep a balance and remember that it’s okay to have a bad game or practice.”
“Friendships, trusted teammates, endless support and [even] family” are added benefits that these athletes value the most. As Class of 2024 athletes work to guide the next generation, they remember that they will always stand together as Lions for Life.