Being prepared, having a specific goal, and having determination are some of the biggest parts of being a student-athlete. So many students from Mission Hills not only work hard during their season for their sports, but also during their off-season. However, since everyone is different, it comes down to the individual athlete’s regimen.
It can be difficult to balance a healthy student life with the expectations of being an athlete. In an interview with volleyball star, Bianca Aparicio, she describes what her life looks like during her off-season.
“I play on the SoCal Volleyball Club team to keep my skills up and stay in shape along with going to school. I stay motivated for my season because I know that my teammates are counting on me to show up,” said Aparicio.
According to Aparicio, bonding with teammates and working out weekly are great ways to stay in shape and stay motivated.
While these student-athletes play different sports, they have similar ideas on how to stay healthy and strong during their respective off-seasons.
Najwa Rafiqzad, who plays basketball, responded thoughtfully when asked how she stays at her peak athleticism.
“I tend to stray away from unhealthy food, but I occasionally do eat it. I do club basketball and I have practice everyday which keeps me at my strongest,” said Rfiqzad.
Similarly to Aparicio, Rafiqzad believes having weekly practices helps athletes stay in shape in the off-season.
Another basketball player, Sophia Kothe, spends her time very differently in comparison to the two athletes interviewed before.
“I don’t play any club basketball and only occasionally practice my skills outside my house. But, I still try to stay in shape and be the best player that I can… My passion for basketball and my teammates is what keeps me coming back every year,” Kothe said.
She still stays motivated to play every year.
There are so many athletes in the world and each of them have their different routines to get prepared and be a better player for their next season.
![Video Production captures drone footage of the DPS campus while students swarm to observe. Missions VAPA departments main mission was to represent the spirit that Double Peaks Leader-in-Me program spreads throughout the school. Assistant Principal Kylie Lewis says the goal is for students to think, As long as I set my goals, then [I] can be successful as [I] move on in life.](https://mhhsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_7124-1200x1200.jpg)
