As the fall sports season comes to a close, athletes and coaches are reflecting on the summer weights program that shaped their success. Throughout the summer, students balanced jobs, vacations, and personal time while committing to the preparation for their sports seasons. Both coaches and athletes agree that participating in summer athletics not only helps prevent injuries and maintain fitness, but also strengthens team bonds that carry into the fall.
Peyton Stein, volleyball coach for six years, said this summer had the highest participation she has ever seen. “The girls did a really great job of holding each other accountable and talking about the importance of showing up. It set the tone for team bonding and expectations for the season,” she said. The physical improvements in the athletes were significant. Volleyball players saw notable gains in speed, reaction time, and vertical jumps, all critical for success on the court. “The agility and plyo[metric] workouts really help. We’ve been getting to the ball faster and getting more blocks because we have better reaction time and are jumping higher,” Stein said.
Football coach Devin Rizzo echoed similar thoughts. “It allowed the guys to be further ahead on their first day of practice,” said Rizzo. In his first year as head coach, he noted that the
program helped install a new playbook while building strength. “It definitely translates to the field, and we were able to be more prepared,” he said. Football player Matthew Hamm-Jones, so., agreed, saying, “It got me more in shape for sure. If I hadn’t gone to summer weights, I probably wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Beyond fitness, Rizzo emphasized the program’s impact on team culture. “The most important piece is the atmosphere we create. The culture we are building is centered around accountability and trust. Those relationships built between teammates are going to go a long way, and not just in the sports we are playing,” he said. Athletes agreed. Carlos Duran, sr., said, “I think it made me more of a leader. I’m always with the guys, and we have a better bond.”
For freshman athletes, the program helped ease the transition into high school sports. Volleyball player Myah McCook said, “I didn’t do any weights in middle school, so I saw improvement in my day-to-day life and playing on the court. I also got to grow closer with the team.” Seniors Lacie McLaughlin and Emersyn Shirack agreed the program developed their discipline. “I was able to start the habit of making sure I get to bed on time to get enough sleep,” McLaughlin said. Shirack added, “It helped with the habit of waking up early, and I had a
better start to the day. It also helped me with time management, planning around practices.”
Another critical aspect of summer athletics is injury prevention. Cross country coach Kjell Nordgren stressed the importance for runners. “If they don’t run at all [in the summer] and then suddenly go back to doing it five days a week, there is a higher risk of overuse injuries, [which are] common for runners when the body isn’t used to doing something over and over,” he said.
One challenge for students is the early mornings, but many athletes said knowing their teammates were in it together made it easier. “I kind of like waking up early with them. You don’t necessarily want to do it, but you do it anyway because you all want to get better and reach the same goal,” Duran said. Andrew Gray, sr., added, “The environment is fun. I could lift by myself, but it’s not as fun as lifting
with your friends. Even though we run a lot, at least we do it together.”
Coaches acknowledge the busy schedules students face in the summer, with jobs, camps, vacations, and other responsibilities, which is why they encourage open communication and are flexible with participation. The volleyball team was praised for having the best attendance, and McCook had advice for her peers: “Just always tell your coach if you are too busy or need help. Let them know you care, and if you are honest and responsible, they will support you.”
Looking ahead, it’s clear that summer involvement isn’t just about staying in shape—it’s about building a strong foundation for the school year and beyond. The effort put in during the summer months has lasting benefits, and with continued support, these programs can help students thrive both on and off the field.