On January 29, tryouts for NDB’s spring sports season began, with student-athletes competing for various spots on the beach volleyball, lacrosse, softball, swim and track & field teams. After three days of tryouts, team rosters were announced, with the exception of winter athletes, who will try out after their current season ends.
“[Tryouts are] a lot of fun and [there are] a lot of new players, which is great to build the program, so that they can better their skills and then continue the program for their following years at Notre Dame,” said junior lacrosse player Luci Caron.
Although the beginning of every sports season involves some kind of player apprehension about rosters, spring sports include no-cut policies. While there were some athletes who worried about their placement, everyone who attended tryouts pretty much earned their spots on the various teams.
With tryouts now behind them, the athletes have turned their attention to the season itself as they prepare to represent NDB in their athletic endeavors. Aside from team objectives that will be pursued, many have personal goals that they hope to achieve this season.
Both new and returning athletes have already begun practicing and training for the season. Some of them practice on their own time or with a club sports team.
“I play club year round, so I feel like I’m pretty prepared already. But, I just tried to really focus on my technique and my fundamentals, just to make sure all my reps are perfect,” said senior softball player Malaina Alifano.
Along with preparation outside of school, NDB’s athletes are required to complete a certain number of weight room sessions before they can participate in their first sport of the year. This school year is the first that allows coaches to determine the amount that must be completed. If an athlete fails to make that number, they are asked to attend a boot camp for a few days.
“I’m excited to meet the new members of the team and just improve my skills and have a lot of fun,” said sophomore track & field athlete Ella Oldendorp. “I hope the team just has a good time and that we improve from last year.”
With the start of every sports season comes the logistics of practice space that must be solved. NDB owns several athletics facilities on its campus. Beach volleyball and softball plan to use their designated fields throughout the season. But, lacrosse will practice off-campus at either the Belmont Sports Complex or Crystal Springs. Track runners and jumpers will head off-campus to the College of San Mateo, while swimmers will go to Serra HS.
