Girls soccer begins conditioning in preparation for upcoming season

The DHS girls’ soccer team prepares to warm up at their conditioning session after school on Jan 15.

Maggie Kroeger

The DHS girls’ soccer team prepares to warm up at their conditioning session after school on Jan 15.

The end of winter break starts the beginning of the second semester and brings students back to the rigorous schedule of less sleep and a lot of homework. For spring athletes, the beginning of the second semester also brings the beginning of preseason conditioning. For the De Soto High School girls’ soccer team, preseason is in full motion in preparation for their fast-approaching 2019 season.

“I think it’s important for the girls to first off get in shape, that’s the most obvious reason, but the second reason is to build that team chemistry,” said assistant coach and conditioning supervisor Melissa Stone. “We also want to get to know the freshmen, get back into the routine and start to form relationships going into the season so that we can start building those from day one.”

For senior Krista Rush, conditioning is a good way to prepare for the season and get back into a sports-oriented routine.

“The purpose of conditioning is to prepare for the upcoming season and get back into a rhythm of working out together,” Rush said. “We want to improve from last year by doing more conditioning and strengthening our relationship as a team.

As a senior, Rush also has to be more involved in conditioning, as seniors are the main driving factor in the activities and drills the team participates in.

“This year, as seniors, we have to step up to be a leader and be good role models during conditioning for the underclassmen,” Rush said.

Stone views conditioning not only as a way to get in shape but a way for the team to form a bond that will be useful during the actual season.

“Not only do we need the physical effects of conditioning, but I think the aspect of building team chemistry is equally as important,” Stone said.

The expectation for participants in conditioning is held high in order to set a good precedent for the season.

“The expectation is that when they come, they give 100 percent, listen to the seniors and the leaders, and most importantly they give their all because if they’re going to be there, they might as well get the most out of it,” Stone said. “In the end, we look for effort.”

Rush agrees and expects that the girls participating give 100 percent every day and have a good attitude.