As this sports season ends, athletes who play winter sports, girls and boys basketball, boys swim and dive, and girls and boys indoor track prepare for their tryouts. 

Basketball player Connor Carvalho shows confidence for this upcoming season. He works to improve his skills and overcome weaknesses. One of the wonders of student athletes is how they have the time to do their school work and to excel in their sport. 

“To balance school and sports, I am going to prioritize getting all of my work done and getting back to the gym,” Carvalho said. 

In addition, Carvalho shared that he feels blessed to be a part of a wonderful team.

“Having a bond with my teammates is crucial on and off the court. Even though tryouts and the season haven’t started yet, I have been playing and working with my team,” Carvalho said. 

Swimmer Tiago Branco is optimistic about the upcoming season.

 “I look forward to joining a high school team for the first time. We have such great people on the team; we will do well competitively and my transition to high school sports will be smooth.” 

He prepares for the season by swimming with a club team, conditioning, and exercising as much as possible. 

Also, Branco plans to manage his time efficiently to balance his role as athlete and student. 

“I enjoy being part of a team, as I feel that having people you can support and identify with is incredibly important. Taking part in a team sport is also one of the best ways to foster a sense of community and solidarity with others, which is something I already know is present on the swim team.”

Runner, Ella Iannone also shows confidence about the new season. 

“Though it will be my first ever indoor track season, I feel like I was successful in my cross country season and am ready to see what is to come in this season,” Iannone said. 

Iannone, currently a member of the cross country team, shared that the cross country team helps her improve her skills for track. Study halls have been helpful to many students especially, student athletes. Iannone does her school work during her study hall as well as after practice which helps her balance school and home life. Iannone has fun at practices and shares a bond with her teammates. 

“Being a part of a team is amazing! I am able to form bonds with others not in my grade. I have been able to make more friends and amazing running buddies. It is always fun at practice talking about our days and life,” said Iannone. “Since there are not a ton of girls running, the girls that are running are like a tight little group. We all get along and make even the hardest practices fun.”

Basketball player Eva Teixeira shared her excitement for the upcoming season. She trains by conditioning and practicing her shooting.

 “I am currently playing a sport and I’m good with balancing it so I am planning to continue to do what I’m doing,” Teixeria stated. 

Teixeria also shared that she feels partially intimidated by tryouts, however, her confidence in herself and her skills helps her overcome this intimidation.

“I enjoy being a part of a team. I feel like it has taught me a lot and it is a fun experience.”

Runner Gabe Diamante, could be considered a veteran to track as this is his junior season. He hopes to see new faces this season. Also, he shared his optimism for this season, due to how talented the team is. As a distance runner, Diamante trains by running 5k’s.

“To keep on top of school work I plan to utilize study halls, to do work on the days that it is assigned, and avoid procrastination,” Diamante said. 

Indoor track does not have tryouts and takes people of all levels. Diamante enjoys the sense of community brought together by the team. In his own words, “It is like no other sport.”

All in all, athletes shared their excitement for the Winter season. They all put in the hard work and dedication to be their best. They also shared their excitement to bond with their teammates and to play their sport in general.