St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Cross Country Season Preview

The St. Andrew's Episcopal School Cross Country team is gearing up for a new season, and Coach Liz Shelton is excited and optimistic about the potential of her team. With years of experience and a passion for the sport, Coach Shelton has a clear vision for the team and a strong plan for achieving success this season. Team chemistry and camaraderie are essential for any successful sports team, and Coach Shelton understands the importance of building a strong team dynamic. Her strategy for fostering team chemistry begins with recruiting the right athletes - those who have the qualities of a role model and can lead by example. It's not just about being the fastest or the best runner, but also about exhibiting good habits on and off the track. "Doing the right thing when no one is looking, arriving to practice early, staying late, and doing what needs to be done" are all crucial components of being a leader on the team. In addition to leading by example, Coach Shelton also stresses the importance of being vocal and supportive of teammates. This creates an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, which ultimately leads to a stronger team bond. By encouraging her team to support one another, Coach Shelton is creating a positive team dynamic that will carry them through the season. Motivating athletes to push themselves to their full potential can be a difficult task, but Coach Shelton has a few strategies up her sleeve. The team's annual retreat is one of the ways the coach creates team chemistry and motivates her players. This retreat allows the team to bond and get to know one another better, setting the foundation for a successful season. During the retreat, each athlete has the opportunity to share their individual goals and reasons for joining the team. This open and honest communication not only allows the coach to better understand her athletes but also helps the athletes feel heard and supported. Furthermore, the team retreat is not just about discussing goals, but also about having fun and building friendships. The team participates in team bonding activities, such as games and swimming, which creates a sense of camaraderie and friendship. As Coach Shelton puts it, "Our runners make friends for life on this team!" By creating a supportive and fun environment early on, the team is more likely to work together and motivate each other toward success.