As the spring season starts, many sports have begun preparation for upcoming competitions and the Southwest Preparatory Conference championship in April.

Specifically, the boys and girls track & field teams have incorporated strength and mobility workouts into their preseason, so the athletes can reach their full potential by the start of the season in mid-February.

“Preseason is training and strengthening for the actual season, so we’re ready to start competing as soon as it starts,” freshman Julia Deibert said.

The preparation utilizes speed training exercises and strength training to ensure each athlete is healthy for the upcoming season. It also emphasizes the fundamentals of running, such as developing lower leg strength and plyometrics work.

“If you don’t get a good start, it’s hard to make it up later,” said Head Coach of Track & Field Stacy Johnson.

Johnson says it is important for runners to show progression after the winter season because the majority rest during these months.

Therefore, Greenhill’s track preseason offered practice as early as November 2023, but it doesn’t become mandatory for athletes until Jan. 29.

Even with the training, the team members say they are still able to enjoy this time because they are able to connect with teammates.

“The distance runners are all girls who did cross country. We are really tight-knit and a great team together,” freshman Lilly Williams said.

In addition to the already close team, the preseason allows more time for team bonding, according to Johnson.

Leading forward, he says he is “very pleased with [the athletes] training now,” and is hopeful for another great season. He says he believes preseason has improved the athletes physically, and also given them confidence in their performance.