The St. Bernard-Elmwood Place Jr./Sr. High School Lady Titans are using the summer to prepare for the upcoming volleyball season through a steady schedule of open gyms and weightlifting. Players have consistently attended three open gyms while putting in additional work in the weight room before formal practices and competition begin.
The open gyms give the Lady Titans time to sharpen their volleyball skills and maintain familiarity with one another on the court. Combined with weightlifting, those sessions provide a foundation for the physical demands of the season. Consistent attendance has allowed the program to keep its preparation moving forward throughout the offseason rather than waiting for the official start of practice.
The team’s seniors are leading the summer workouts and helping set expectations for the rest of the group. Their role includes guiding teammates through the offseason schedule and reinforcing the value of showing up consistently. That leadership gives younger players an example to follow while helping the seniors take ownership of the team’s direction before the season starts.
SBEP enters its season looking to build on the success of last year. The Lady Titans’ goals extend beyond improving volleyball skills. The program also wants its athletes to grow as people, making accountability, effort and teamwork important parts of each summer session.
The offseason work will lead into team practices, when the Lady Titans can apply the strength, skills and habits developed during the summer. With three open gyms, regular weightlifting and senior-led workouts forming the core of their preparation, the team is laying the groundwork for the next season one session at a time.