The off-season may bring a pause to games, but for athletes, it is anything but a break. Between staying in shape, recovering, and balancing daily life, student-athletes put in some of their hardest work when the spotlight is not on the field.
Kelsi Hilton, a sophomore pre-physical therapy major, shared her experiences as a dual-sport athlete. Hilton is a member of both the SNU softball team and the cross country team. Her days often begin at 4 a.m. to prepare for her 5 a.m. cross country practice, followed by classes from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with evening labs on Tuesdays. While she is in season for cross country, she remains in the off-season for softball, fitting in pitching and hitting sessions around her already packed schedule.
“Training for both sports can definitely be overwhelming because I have to focus on dieting and training–but what makes it harder is that each sport requires the complete opposite approach,” Hilton said.
To stay healthy, Hilton prioritizes recovery, which helps her prevent injuries and remain ready for sports. She also values time with her friends, saying it allows her to “let loose” and take a break from the pressures of training and competing.
Rayanna Mauldin, a junior psychology major, echoed the importance of off-season preparation. Her days include two-hour practices and lifts on Mondays,Wednesdays, and Fridays, along with extra work to prepare for games.
For Mauldin, maintaining her mental health and relationship with God are just as important as her physical training. Through her team’s mental health training, she developed what she calls a “mistake ritual.”
“After a mistake, I make a fist and hit my other hand,” Mauldin explained. “What that means is, Jesus is my rock, and mistakes don’t define me.”
The mindset allows her to approach the off-season as an opportunity to sharpen her skills while also deepening her faith.
“It’s nice to give all my burdens to him, and remember that my identity is not in my sport, but it’s in Jesus,” Mauldin expressed.
Hilton and Mauldin show that there is no single way athletes approach their off-season. Both focus on what matters most to them–whether it is recovery, friendships, or faith–while continuing to grow as athletes and individuals.
For younger athletes, both offered advice on navigating these demanding months.
“Enjoy the little moments,” Hilton claimed. “Though it may be hard, there is a lot of good that comes out of it. You build so many relationships along the way.”
Their experiences highlight that the off-season is not just about training, but also about growth, balance, and appreciating the journey.
Photos provided by: Kelsi Hilton and SNU Creative