As the winter season draws to a close, athletes at Niles North High School are gearing up for their exciting spring seasons. With determination and focus, athletes from a wide range of sports—including girls’ soccer, track, softball, badminton, boys’ volleyball, track, and baseball—are hard at work in their preseason training. Athletes are fully immersed in a range of preseason preparations, including after-school sport-specific weightlifting, intense cardio sessions, and high-energy open gyms, all designed to build strength, endurance, and skill to equip these student athletes for their upcoming seasons.
Returning players are eager for another accomplished season, while newcomers face a blend of excitement and nerves as they prepare for spring tryouts. Meanwhile, multi-sport athletes experience the challenge of navigating the pressure of current sports and the anticipation of upcoming sports.
Haktan Erel, a junior, expresses his commitment to preseason preparation as a returning athlete on the Niles North’s boys varsity volleyball team.
“I believe preseason is what distinguishes great players from good players,” Erel said. “We’re very fortunate to have people who care about the volleyball program. I’ve been to several open gyms and after school lifts which is why I’m a great player.”
Similarly, junior Jessica Ahn makes use of the off season. “To prepare for the upcoming badminton season this spring I make sure to work extra hard in VPE and try to beat new PRs and stay in shape.”
Erel and Ahn’s commitment to their sports exemplifies how preseason efforts can make all the difference in shaping successful athletes. This dedication to preparation is something that carries over across various student athletes, including multi-sport athletes whose emphasis on hard work and dedication for the upcoming season is equally evident.
Other students also work to balance their commitments.
Junior softball player Sarah Novak says, “For preseason I’ve been working really hard outside of school for my travel team. I also go to morning practices for school and there’s lifts 3 times a week to help prep us for the spring.”
Just as returning athletes showcase their diligence to preseason training, new athletes also exhibit their readiness for spring tryouts.
Danny Puthusseril, a freshman, shares his allegiance to working hard for the upcoming boys baseball season.
“This is my first year playing baseball at North and I want to make sure I’m the best that I can be for tryouts,” Puthusseril said. “I’ve been to a lot of after school lifts as well as morning practices where we do a lot of hitting and agility. Because I’ve been practicing now, I feel pretty good about tryouts.”’
Student athletes in track show similar dedication.
Senior Dea Vicheva said, “I’ve been to a lot of lifts and conditioning practices to get my body warmed up for the season.”
Elijah Infantes, junior, agrees that spring conditioning is difficult. However, he also feels it’s worth it. “The training off-season was challenging but rewarding,” he says. “If you were to show consistency in the off season, then your progress will be undeniable.”
