Young Women’s Leadership Academy Cross Country Season Preview

As the upcoming cross-country season nears, the Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) in Texas is gearing up for another competitive year. Coach Cheryl Thienpont is leading her team through rigorous offseason preparations, focusing on endurance and improving two-mile race pace. Offseason Focus: Building Strength and Speed YWLA’s athletes are multi-sport competitors, many coming off soccer or track seasons before shifting their focus to cross country. Once those seasons conclude, the team’s primary goal will be to build endurance and enhance their pacing to stay competitive in upcoming races. Summer Training and Team Bonding To maintain conditioning during the offseason, the team meets 3-5 times a week at MacAlister Park and Concepcion Park for endurance workouts. When the Texas heat becomes too intense, they switch to water conditioning sessions at Woodlawn Pool. These sessions help keep the team in shape while fostering a strong sense of camaraderie. Roster Changes: Departures and Newcomers YWLA will see some notable changes in its lineup this season. The team will miss senior leader Carly Rodriguez and will have to adjust while standout freshman Maria Garcia recovers from knee surgery. However, with three returning underclassmen and three incoming freshmen, the team is shaping up to be a strong contender for the 2025-26 season. Players to Watch This year, all eyes are on a promising set of twins coming up from middle school. Their talent and drive are expected to push returning runners to elevate their training and competitiveness. Their presence could be the key to maintaining the team’s momentum. Strength and Conditioning While the team does not have a specific weightlifting program, the rigorous workload of the track season has played a significant role in overall conditioning. The commitment to consistent training will be crucial for success in the fall. Nutrition and Wellness YWLA encourages its athletes to follow the Chef SA nutrition program for teen athletes, ensuring they maintain a well-balanced diet tailored to high-performance training and recovery. Coaching Approach and Strategy Coach Thienpont will rely on the younger athletes to help push and motivate returning runners, ensuring that off-season training remains a priority. While there are no major shifts in coaching strategies, fostering a competitive and committed mindset remains central to the team’s success. Community Engagement and Parental Involvement YWLA emphasizes community engagement by welcoming parents to participate in offseason workouts alongside their daughters. This inclusive approach not only strengthens the team dynamic but also reinforces the importance of a strong support system. Challenges and Areas for Growth One of the biggest obstacles YWLA faces each season is ensuring that returning athletes stay disciplined in their training over the summer. Many athletes take time off due to vacations or other family commitments, which can impact preseason readiness. Overcoming this challenge will be essential for a strong season start. Looking Ahead With a mix of experienced returners and promising newcomers, YWLA is preparing for an exciting cross-country season. With a strong emphasis on endurance, team-building, and maintaining motivation, Coach Thienpont’s squad is poised to compete at a high level once again.