BY SAMANTHA PAYTON, Editor
Looking forward to their next season, female athletes are about to begin summer training. Volleyball, cross country and tennis all officially begin in the fall but informally start with summer camps.
The benefits of summer training have proved to help prepare athletes for upcoming seasons by giving them time to improve on skills and set new goals.
Junior soccer player Jess Coia takes advantage of the camps that are offered during break.
“I think summer training helps athletes prepare for their season by keeping them in shape and getting a chance to improve on their weaknesses,” Coia said.
KHS offers one camp for girls soccer and cross country. Volleyball has three camps, while track offers two. However one is just for pole vaulters.
In addition to their one camp, the high school girls tennis team is already planning to meet two to three times a week during summer to practice drills.
“I recommend that tennis athletes just get outside and practice as much as they can. Tennis is all about repetition and swing, so they should focus on practicing their hitting,” varsity tennis coach Tim Larsen said.
Summer training also helps teammates bond with each other before the season.
“The high school training camp definitely helps me bond with everyone because we all get to know everyone from all the time we spend with each other,” sophomore tennis player Madi Jurcenko said.
Jurcenko plans on doing the tennis school camp and lessons with her private coach to stay in shape for the next season.
Along with Jurcenko, freshman track runner Olivia Galor also knows how important it is to work on her skills.
“Training over the summer helps prepare you for the tough practices and helps you work on skills you should improve on,” Galor said.
In addition to high school training, colleges offer some camps.
Northern Illinois University hosts summer camps to help high school athletes showcase and improve their skills. These programs will occur all throughout summer and help players tremendously.
Athletes interested in attending their camps can find out more information at www.niuhuskies.com or call 815-753-1923.
“College camps are a great way to help me during the summer. Not only do I improve as a player, but I gain knowledge about playing college sports, and it will help me when I pick a college,” Coia said.
College and high school training programs are just two places that will help athletes over summer. Doing basic things at home such as exercising and eating right will also keep people fit and ready for their season.
Track coach Lori Shroka knows how important taking care of yourself during summer training is and the key to getting fully prepared.
“It is critically important to maintain a healthy overall diet,” Shroka said.
Working these simple activities into the summer can improve an athlete’s skills for the future.
Getting involved in college as well as high school camps keeps players active. Keeping a balanced diet is also an important habit to stay healthy.
“Maintaining a well-rounded workout schedule over the summer is key. Put in a good mixture of cardio, and lifting, and then throw in things like taebo, swimming and biking. The more you do, the more conditioned you will become, and the more prepared you will be for the season,” Shroka said.
