Spring Into Action

Training trips promote preparation and team bonding
Spring Into Action

 

 

Walking around the floor of the Walter C. Johnson Center, one could spend hours looking at the cases of newspaper clippings and awards won by Hackley athletes or the plaques commemorating NYSAIS or Ivy League Prep championships. What one can’t see, however, is the countless laughs and lifelong friendships these teams created. The one common denominator that produces these trophies and memories is the spring break sports trips. 

Once one of the best defenders in lacrosse, Mitch Belisle now helps pass on his knowledge to the next generation of lacrosse players. Coach Belisle taught the defense all of his tricks and tips about how to play defense against stronger and faster attackmen.
Boys Lacrosse

The boys lacrosse team headed to Naples, Florida to train at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in collaboration with Trilogy Lacrosse for another year. While there, the team competed against some of the top teams across the country including Lower Merrion, George Washington, Saint Viators, and Baylor School. In addition, the team trained with two Professional Lacrosse Hall of Fame members: Trilogy Lacrosse co-founder and CEO Ryan Boyle and Vice President of Sales and Marketing Mitch Belisle. Former two-time NCAA Lacrosse Player of the Year Ryan Boyle helped the offense put in new plays while former NCAA Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Year Mitch Belisle helped the defense with technique on keeping attacking players away from dangerous areas on the field.

“We [Hackley] got a defense that’s ready to rock and roll, an offense that is figuring things out, and goalies that are stopping every shot. The Ivy League better watch out,” said Mitch Belisle. 

The team was able to go swimming, fish, and play in small-sided games at the beach along with countless fun times back at the hotel and on the bus. 

“The trip was amazing and the boys got a lot done and got a lot better. We really bonded as a team and it was a great experience,” said team captain Jackson Fauber.  

Once one of the best defenders in lacrosse, Mitch Belisle now helps pass on his knowledge to the next generation of lacrosse players. Coach Belisle taught the defense all of his tricks and tips about how to play defense against stronger and faster attackmen. (Credit: Charlie Perlman)
The girls lacrosse team poses before a game in Clearwater, Florida. The girls are coming off a NYSAIS Championship and look to repeat again this year. The team will lean on Kenyon commit and senior captain Daanya Mir and junior John Hopkins commit Brooke Koffler to provide some firepower on the attacking end.
Girls Lacrosse

While the boys headed to Naples, the girls lacrosse team was three hours northward in Clearwater, Florida. The girls went around the city to different fields for their games against Newsome and National Cathedral School and their scrimmage versus Morristown Beard. The girls competed in Color War style games with teams of six or seven players dressing up in their color. After all the fun was had, the girls went together and enjoyed some time in the pool.  

“It was fantabulous! It couldn’t have been better besides our first game, that was pretty disastrous. Otherwise, amazing!” said girls co-head coach Melissa Stanek. 

The girls lacrosse team poses before a game in Clearwater, Florida. The girls are coming off a NYSAIS Championship and look to repeat again this year. The team will lean on Kenyon commit and senior captain Daanya Mir and junior John Hopkins commit Brooke Koffler to provide some firepower on the attacking end. (Credit: Melissa Stanek)
A night of golfing in Hilton Head provides some relaxation for the golf team. Golf is a unique sport in that it requires a combination of physical ability and plentiful mental fortitude to succeed. Learning to be at home on the course and staying calm is essential for playing your best.
Boys and Girls Golf

In Hilton Head, South Carolina, the girls and boys golf teams could practice their craft and take in the beautiful views while on the links. The teams were able to play on the historic PGA Tour course Harbour Town which featured one of the greatest golfers of all time Jack Nicklaus as a design consultant. The teams also explored the sights and sounds of the town and enjoyed one another’s company. 

“Our trip to Hilton Head was a great way to spend spring break. It was extremely fun and productive as it allowed us to get our golf games sharp with matches starting the week we got back. After seeing the talent and depth in our lineup, I’m confident we are going to accomplish great things this season,” said senior captain Shiraz Awan. 

“The golf trip was a fun experience and playing on Harbour Town was super fun and challenging. Off the course, we were able to go to the beach, relax, and take really nice walks and enjoy the views of Hilton Head South Carolina. It really was a great trip,” said India Davis-Hanessian.

A night of golfing in Hilton Head provides some relaxation for the golf team. Golf is a unique sport in that it requires a combination of physical ability and plentiful mental fortitude to succeed. Learning to be at home on the course and staying calm is essential for playing your best. (Credit: Brooke Matthews)
Boys Tennis 

The boys tennis team traveled to Bradenton, Florida to practice and live on the IMG Academy campus. The grounds span 600 acres and are home to 55 tennis courts. IMG is world-renowned for their tennis academy with 32 former players reaching a top ten ATP World Tour rank. The team partook in some individual match play and drills to hone their skills. When they weren’t practicing, the team could relax in the sun and play pickup sports with students from other schools. 

“What a stellar trip for the gentlemen. It was a great opportunity to bond as a team and prep to defend our Ivy League championship this season. Thanks to everyone who came for making it a success,” said junior captain Peter Roberts. 

For a team that is on their feet so much, the track team got to enjoy an NBA game during their stay in Orlando, Florida. Many NBA point guards use similar training as the teams sprinters to get their speed. Similarly, many NBA power forwards and centers do the same weightlifting exercises as the teams throwers.
Track and Field

Track and Field, Hackley’s largest spring sports team traveled to Orlando, Florida for some fun under the sun. The runners could practice outdoors in the nice weather while the throwers could practice their spins, glides, and all other throwing motions. The team even participated in their first meet of the season. Beyond all the hard work, the team also went to an Orlando Magic NBA game and participated in a scavenger hunt created by Strayboots

“The trip was really fun and I got to know a lot of new people. I’m glad I went on it,” said senior captain Asahi Goods.  

For a team that is on their feet so much, the track team got to enjoy an NBA game during their stay in Orlando, Florida. Many NBA point guards use similar training as the team’s sprinters to get their speed. Similarly, many NBA power forwards and centers do the same weightlifting exercises as the team’s throwers. (Credit: Rafael Castro )
Senior baseball captain Adam Gall slides into home plate during one of the teams scrimmages. Adam brings experience and leadership to a team full of young players. Baseball has peaked the interest of many underclassmen and could be poised for a rise in players in the coming years.
Baseball

In Port St. Lucie, Florida the baseball team came together as a unit and started to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses. The scrimmages that were played against High Point High School and Chestnut Hill Academy helped to give in-game experience to some newer faces on the team. A team comprised of a lot of younger players, the baseball team looks to put the Ivy League on notice and run the tables. Off the baseball diamond, the players bonded as a unit at the beach and during team dinners. Junior captain Ryan Carpenito cited the trip as one of the most fun and enriching opportunities given to him as a Hackley athlete. 

“Sharing hotel rooms, countless fun car rides, trips to the beach, pool, or even Walmart all make the experience unforgettable. I look forward to the trip each year, and without a doubt, some of my best Hackley memories have come from those few days each March in Port Pierce,” said Ryan. 

Senior baseball captain Adam Gall slides into home plate during one of the team’s scrimmages. Adam brings experience and leadership to a team full of young players. Baseball has peaked the interest of many underclassmen and could be poised for a rise in players in the coming years. (Credit: Annabel Previdi)
The softball team poses in front of their hotel before heading to practice. The team bonded deeply and those bonds have begun to show in the teams on-field improvement. Many suspect that the team has the capability to win an Ivy League Championship.
Softball

The softball team thoroughly enjoyed their time in Orlando, Florida playing their first two scrimmages of the year and engaging in many fun activities off the field. The team played against Immaculate Heart Academy and Marlboro High School. Throughout the trip, the girls were inseparable, going on different Universal rides at the theme park and eating virtually every meal together. They also attended a gathering for all the athletes under the KSA Events sporting events company in Orlando. Junior captain, and NYS Watch List pitcher, Andy Hegarty had a blast with her teammates.  

“The trip was a really good bonding experience. Sharing rooms helped us connect on a different level that translated to on the field as well,” said Andy.

The softball team poses in front of their hotel before heading to practice. The team bonded deeply and those bonds have begun to show in the team’s on-field improvement. Many suspect that the team has the capability to win an Ivy League Championship. (Credit: Margaret Scarcella )
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