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Track and Field
US National High School Preview Series
Wed, March 5, 2025 at 04:03 AM . Arizona
As the spring season approaches, high school athletes are gearing up for another year of track and field at Horizon Honors High School. The team is looking to build upon their success from last year and take their performance to new heights. To get a better understanding of what to expect from the team this year, we sat down with Coach Kimberly Willmeth for a preview. One of the biggest strengths of the team this year will be Trey Castello, the top returning player from last season. Coach Willmeth praises his work ethic and talent, stating that he is a role model for other track athletes. "Trey puts in the extra work that others don't see, and that's what makes him special," says Coach Willmeth. Castello's dedication and determination are sure to have a positive impact on the team's performance this season. In addition to Castello, the team also has some new players from the basketball team who Coach Willmeth believes will make an immediate impact. She mentions that they may surprise themselves with what they bring to the table. With new players joining the team, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season. When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Willmeth looks for certain qualities in potential candidates. "I am looking for someone who is encouraging to everyone on the team and not just a select few," she says. While the team captains have not been chosen yet, Coach Willmeth has a few players in mind who she believes possess the necessary leadership qualities. Team chemistry and camaraderie are essential for any successful team. Coach Willmeth plans on implementing team-building exercises and mixing up workouts so that the athletes have the opportunity to work with different teammates. This not only helps build relationships but also fosters a sense of unity within the team. "My goal is to keep them going and push them to their full potential," says Coach Willmeth. Motivating athletes to push themselves to their full potential is no easy task, but Coach Willmeth has a few tricks up her sleeve. She believes in mixing up workouts, making them challenging yet enjoyable for the athletes. "I try to be positive and realistic with my team, and they know that I will be right there cheering them on even when it gets tough," she says. Her positive attitude and support are sure to motivate the team to give their best effort. Preparing for the season has its own set of challenges, and Coach Willmeth is no stranger to them. "Giving up is always a challenge. It's the easiest thing to do when things get tough," she says. To combat this, she focuses on keeping the athletes motivated and determined, even when things get difficult. Her goal is to instill mental toughness in her team, which she believes is crucial for success in track and field. The team's schedule for this season is still being finalized, but Coach Willmeth is looking forward to some tough opponents and challenging games. She believes that facing tough competition will only make her team stronger. "We train fast and work on technique, so we are always ready to face any opponent," she states. The team's training and conditioning program has undergone some changes and improvements this year. Coach Willmeth believes that track is a mental sport, and thus, it is crucial to train not just the body but also the mind. "If you can compete in track, we are already on the way to getting your mental toughness better," she says. The team focuses on conditioning at a faster pace and also works on technique and core strength. When it comes to the team's strengths and weaknesses, Coach Willmeth recognizes the importance of building on the strengths and improving the weaknesses. She believes in the "train slow, be slow" philosophy and thus focuses on training at a fast pace. The team also works on technique and core strength to improve their overall performance. As the team at Horizon Honors High School gears up for another season of track and field, they have a dedicated and passionate coach in Kimberly Willmeth. With a focus on building mental toughness and pushing athletes to reach their full potential, Coach Willmeth is determined to lead her team to success. With a mix of returning players and new talent, the team is sure to make a strong impact this year. We wish them all the best for the upcoming season.