With the fall semester quickly approaching, club sport athletes are preparing for their upcoming seasons. Because club teams are competitive organizations, it is important to train over the summer. That way, we are all prepared for our upcoming competitions. As a member of the club field hockey team, we are training for our fall season with our summer workout packet. 

If you are looking into a club sport and want to know more about how to stay active over the summer, read along as I will share my team’s personal routine! 

The workout plan consists of four workouts each week, including a segment for running drills and weight-lifting exercises. Once our team is back on campus, we begin tryouts almost immediately. It is crucial for teams with fall seasons to continuously train over the summer in order to jump into a successful season. Following a structured workout plan, especially in the midst of a hot summer, can prove difficult with no teammates present to hold you accountable. 

The bond that our team has, along with the will to have a strong season, plays a major role in staying active over the summer. Although we are completing the workouts by ourselves, we keep our teammates in mind, knowing that we are growing as a unit. Each of us is contributing to the URI Club Field Hockey Team each day by pushing ourselves and our bodies to become stronger, better players. Without a coach, we must hold ourselves accountable for our training in both the offseason, and regular season. Although the offseason can seem slow, this is the most crucial time for us to prepare for our future season.

Motivation

At times, it can be difficult to find the motivation to complete workouts on my own. Personally, my hometown friends play a large role in motivating me to complete my summer training. As many of them are also college athletes, we often train together and attend our hometown gyms and field together. It is encouraging to be surrounded by a variety of athletes who are all working towards improving their own physical strengths to better their college team. With members of our team in their hometowns for the summer, busy with summer jobs, internships, and relaxation, I reached out to some of my teammates and inquired how their training is going. 

President of club field hockey, Abby Szumita explains, “My motivation comes from wanting to be there for my teammates and knowing I’ll be a stronger player if I stay in shape.” While Abby is residing in her hometown in Massachusetts for the summer, she keeps busy working as a lifeguard, she also plans our games, practice times, and club meetings for our fall season. Among all of this, she still manages to physically prepare for the season. Further, Abby shared that her goal for the season is to successfully lead the team, and of course to win games. 

“At the end of the day, field hockey is a game, and it’s all about having fun and building lifelong friendships,” said Abby. As a fellow player, this couldn’t be more true. Although it does feel great to win games alongside my teammates, one of my favorite things about club sports is the friendships it has created for me. 

Rising senior, Lindsey Reimels, is approaching her fourth and final season as a part of the URI Club Field Hockey Team. Lindsey manages our social media accounts and is a huge attribute to the team. She is constantly encouraging us as teammates, and consistently playing her best each time she steps on the field. Lindsey shared that her motivation for summer training stems from the excitement of the future season and playing with her teammates again. Each player has their own way of staying motivated during the off season so when we come together in the fall, we are stronger than our previous season. 

Outcome

It is incredibly encouraging to be a part of a team that is interconnected not only while on campus together, but also in our offseason. Both Abby and Lindsey highlight the important aspects of playing our best and building connections with our teammates this season. However, it is also important for us to win. Being connected with a group of girls dedicated to each other and the successes of our team is uplifting. Various team members have sent pictures of them completing workouts and summer training to help encourage other team members to complete their own workouts. This excites me to return to campus and see all of the progress the team has made as individuals over the summer. 

Club sports allows students to join a community that provides an opportunity to travel, meet new people, and play a sport you have a love for.. Although the lifts and running portions of our workout packet can prove difficult and perhaps mundane at times, it is inspiring to know that my teammates are in the same boat as I am. This season will be filled with growth and a new beginning for the URI Field Hockey team as our program is growing and working hard this summer. 

If you are interested in joining a club sport this year, be sure to check out this website. Further, the field hockey workout plan is linked in our Instagram bio, @uri_fieldhockey if you want to try it out! The team is looking forward to a successful season approaching in September. In the meantime, we are all sure to be active, be well, and belong