The unseen workouts, sprints and early mornings are what breed champions. Months before the season begins, athletes have a choice to make: will they put in the extra hours to improve their athletic ability, or will they do the minimum?

Training in the offseason is more than physical training. It involves refining technique, eating well and preparing mentally. Many times, two athletes can have the same skill level, but one comes out on top based on their form, eating habits and mental toughness.

Choosing to put in the work behind closed doors can be more difficult than going to practice everyday because there are fewer people to keep you accountable. You are the one who has to wake up early, not because your coach tells you to, but because you possess the discipline to go the extra mile.

Even though it may be tough to train in the offseason, the positive results outweigh the cost. 

Varsity wrestler Christian Lange has won over 230 career matches and is committed to training hard in the offseason.

“Hard work is more important than talent,” Lange stated. “Anyone can outwork somebody. It doesn’t matter where you come from. If you keep working, you can be a champ.”

Reghan Frazzetta, a Hendrix College volleyball commit, also believes that the work you put in behind closed doors makes all the difference. 

 “The offseason can be a mental break from competing but not from training,” Frazzetta said. “How intense you go into your offseason training is how intense you will compete.”