Written By: Victoria Williamson ~ Sports Editor
After spending the summer preparing, Lynchburg fall sport athletes are back and ready to start the season strong. As ODAC games begin this week, returning athletes have established their own ways to get into the right mindset for the matches.
Bree Spainhour celebrating a point. Photographed by Caroline Gerke
Bree Spainhour, a junior right-side hitter for the Lynchburg Women’s Volleyball Team, has found a routine that benefits her most before a match. With their first conference game Sept. 11 against Randolph-Macon College, she has revealed that caffeine and entertainment help her best prepare.
“Getting a coffee from Dunkin and watching TikToks on the bus if we have an away game makes me feel the best before I go out on the court,” said Spainhour.
Shay Schoones blocking a shot. Photographed by Caroline Gerke
Having a week of pre-season practices before classes began, Shay Schoones, the junior goalkeeper for Lynchburg’s Field Hockey Team, valued what the team worked on to help prepare for the season.
“As a team, we really emphasized a focus on communication and working together during this preseason. Our preseason helped shape a productive environment within our team where we are able to hold each other accountable as well as push each other to be better,” she said.
Thomas Viscuso cheering in a match. Photographed by Caroline Gerke
Also, a junior goalkeeper, Thomas Viscuso, for Lynchburg Men’s Soccer, has maintained a steady routine of preparing for matches throughout his three years here.
“Before every game, I go to the AT room to roll out, stretch, and get myself taped before I go up to the field. I also pray in the locker room right before I go up for warm-ups to make sure that my mind is ready for the game because it helps calm down all my nerves before the match,” said Viscuso.
With the various ways Lynchburg athletes have been preparing, they are guaranteed to dominate in their matches this season.
For more information on upcoming games, visit Lynchburg Sports Calender