Coach Valerie Missick has high hopes for the Lithia Springs High School track and field team this season. With a mix of experienced and talented returning players, as well as promising new additions, the team is focused on developing their potential and achieving success at the regional and state level.
One of the key strengths of the team this year is their depth, with athletes competing in every event. The top returning players from last season include Jayden Bryant in the Hurdles, sprinters Mekhai Johnson and Malachi Evans, Distant runners Roosey Russell and Carter Wilson, Pole Vault Mikel White, and middle distance runners Eric Hightower and Brenen Gachoya. Coach Valerie Missick notes that their experience, leadership, and work ethic make them stand out.
In terms of new players, Coach Missick believes that underclassmen such as Elijah Curry, Marcus Lewis, Harry Fulton, and Fola Alamutu will make an immediate impact on the team. Their dedication and natural talent should help strengthen the team's performance.
When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Missick looks for qualities such as leadership, accountability, work ethic, and a team-first mentality. Currently, the team is still assessing who will step up as true leaders, with Jayden Bryant, Brenen Gachoya, Eric Hightower, and Isaiah Hatcher all battling for the role.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are essential for success, and Coach Missick plans to implement this through team-building activities, peer mentoring, and creating a supportive environment where athletes push each other to improve. She also emphasizes the importance of mental strength and resilience, especially in overcoming setbacks.
The biggest challenge in preparing for this season has been financial constraints, as well as battling illness and unpredictable weather. However, Coach Missick believes that this year's theme of accountability will help the team to take responsibility for their growth and setbacks. By setting challenging but attainable goals, providing individualized feedback, and emphasizing progress over perfection, the team can overcome these challenges.
This season, the team's schedule is competitive, with strong opponents and meets that they are looking forward to. However, Coach Missick is eager to see how her athletes will rise to the challenges and compete against top-tier teams. She notes that her coaching style may differ slightly from previous seasons, as she has taken on additional responsibilities and become more direct and structured in practices. This approach, along with an increased emphasis on athlete accountability in training, will help the team reach its full potential.
The team's training and conditioning program has also seen changes and improvements this year. Coach Missick is implementing more structured speed and strength training, while also focusing on injury prevention. In terms of weaknesses, the team lacks experience due to its young age. To address this, Coach Missick plans on holding athletes accountable for their development and providing structured workouts to help them improve.
Overall, Coach Valerie Missick's coaching philosophy is centered on developing the potential of her athletes, competing at a high level, and qualifying as many athletes as possible for state championships. She believes that the keys to success will come from self-discipline, accountability, and consistent training. With a strong team dynamic and a focus on mental strength, the Lithia Springs High School track and field team is poised for a successful season.
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