As spring arrived, Sacred Heart Greenwich’s athletic teams began preparing for their upcoming season over spring break.  The lacrosse, rowing, track and field, water polo, golf, and tennis teams practiced from March 21 to 25.  Seniors Kate Hong, varsity golf co-captain, and Lauren Giuriceo, varsity lacrosse co-captain, commented on how close team dynamics promote athletic accomplishment.

In previous years, Sacred Heart teams have participated in training trips to promote team bonding and prepare for their respective seasons.  However, as COVID-19 remains prevalent, teams practiced at Sacred Heart or used local facilities to train. 

The varsity A lacrosse team traveled to Westhampton Beach, New York where they practiced and participated in scrimmages with Sacred Heart Academy, Garden City Highschool, and Westhampton Beach Highschool.  The varsity B and junior varsity (JV) lacrosse teams remained on King Street to practice.  Varsity B scrimmaged with Mamaroneck and Ridgefield Highschool.

Lauren explained how the training trip brought the lacrosse team closer together.  She believes a closer bond among the players will help the team on the field.

“The lacrosse spring break training was an incredible opportunity for the team to connect in preparation for the upcoming season,” Lauren said.  “Franny and I were adamant about planning some sort of overnight trip over break because we knew how important it was for the team and coaches to bond off the lacrosse field as well.  Through trust-building activities, events like yoga and an escape room, practices, and games, our lacrosse team had a really fun time together.  The benefits of our great team chemistry have been showing in our play.”

The varsity tennis team practiced at Sacred Heart and at Westchester Tennis Center in Port Chester, New York.  The team also played a match against Greenwich Country Day School March 22.  Beyond the courts, the teams focused on learning techniques and staying active with instruction from Coach Ed Metzendorf.  One of the techniques the team practiced was communicating with doubles partners in tougher matches.

For the week, the rowing team practiced at the new RowAmerica Greenwich training facility.  Rowers participated in conditioning exercises on land and practiced rowing on the water.  This upcoming season, they have five scheduled regattas and will compete in the New England Interscholastic Rowing Association (NEIRA) Championship May 28.  The team welcomed new coaches Ms. Jill Shepherd and Ms. Elena Radu to the program.

The track and field team practiced at Sacred Heart and the Brunswick School.  At Sacred Heart, the student-athletes executed five-mile long runs to increase their endurance.  Using the Brunswick track Tuesday and Friday, the team did more track-based training, practicing the 200, 300, and 400 meter runs.

To prepare for their season, the water polo team practiced on campus.  In the approaching months, they have nine matches and will also participate in the Cardinal Tournament and New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Championship May 21 and May 22.  Their training consisted of high-intensity exercises to help with their endurance and allow them to play for long periods of time.  Out of the water, the players became more familiar with the rules of water polo, grew more comfortable in their positions, and bonded overall as a team.

The varsity and JV golf teams practiced at Tamarack Country Club.  They also traveled to Topgolf, a sports entertainment complex, where the team was able to play their sport in a fun environment.  Kate discussed how the dynamic of the golf team will lead to a successful golf season. 

“We have a very young team this year and I am excited to see our growth and development,” Kate said.  “We have a lot of good golfers who can help take us to win a championship.  I hope that we can come together as a team to help one another achieve their personal goals as well as our goals as a team.  I am excited about this upcoming season and hoping for the best one yet.”

Featured Image by Caterina Pye ’23