On the quest for warm weather, practice time, and team bonding opportunities, Convent of the Sacred Heart’s varsity crew and lacrosse teams jump started their spring seasons with training trips in Florida.
The crew team trained at the University of Central Florida’s rowing facility located in Orlando, while the lacrosse team trained at the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.

Crew co-captain Shannon Longworth led her team’s training in Florida. Her goal as captain was for the team to both grow stronger and closer during their time there. The girls all got their fair share of blisters, but were excited to get on the water.
“Our team definitely improved because we got so much more practice in than we would at home and really used every extra second of time that we don’t usually have,” Shannon said.
The crew team took 12 rowers and two coxswains out on the water every day in one eight-seater and one four-seater boat. Between practices, the team ate in the University of Central Florida’s dining hall.
One evening, the team made a trip to Congo River Mini Golf. In contrast to working hard at practice, Shannon saw this outing as an opportunity to spend time with the team in a more relaxed environment.

The varsity lacrosse team trained in St. Petersburg, Florida. Mrs. Courtney DePeter, Middle School history teacher and Head Coach of the varsity lacrosse team, had several goals for the team to accomplish while on the trip. She wanted her players to develop stick work, go over settled attack and defense, work on transitions, build team unity, and get in shape. The training in Florida gave the varsity lacrosse girls the time and opportunity to grow not only individually but also as a team.

“The best part about training in Florida is the team bonding. It’s an opportunity for the girls to be together 24/7 and build relationships and come back as a true lax family,” Coach DePeter said.
Varsity lacrosse had a busy daily schedule with two practices a day, a few of which were held on the beach. The captains fostered team unity by organizing team bonding activities like scavenger hunts.
Coach DePeter believes that the training trip enabled the team to improve communication skills.
“I’m looking forward to watching the team grow. Playing sports is all about the journey and I’m excited to see the improvement from now compared to the end of the season. I know that we will accomplish great things along the way,” Coach DePeter said.
– Emily Hirshorn, Co-Opinions Editor