“Knowing that we have 40 days till the season starts, and it’s my last year, being a senior, I just want to give it my all and hopefully make it to state,” said Alivea Vigil, Senior MHS soccer player and future collegiate soccer player at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge.

With just 40 days left, soccer open gyms are in full swing. Soccer is offered as a spring sport at MHS. Usually, for any sport, coaches host open gyms before the season actually starts. Open gyms give potential athletes an opportunity to know what the coach is like, refine skills before the season begins, and connect with possible teammates. Since soccer is a spring sport, the open gyms are held in the winter at the Van Hecke Center.

What’s up coach?

At the end of the day, an athlete loves the sport, but the coach also plays a role in fostering this love. Knowing what your coach is like before going into a new season can help you in the future by knowing the expectations that the coach has for you and the team as a whole. It is helpful to know how the coach runs the drills and what they expect from you in doing the drills.

Alivea said, “With Edgar (Arceo) being the coach, he is very insightful.”

Open gyms makes the regular in-season practices run more smoothly because less “teaching” of the drills has to take place. The way in which the coach facilitates the drill also lets the athlete know the expected intensity of the season overall. Because open gyms often aren’t divided by age or level of the team, all future players get insight into what the coach desires in a varsity player, and how an athlete can reach that goal.

Practice makes perfect?

Getting practice in before the season, especially for a spring sport, is important because it can be difficult to find time and space to practice for a sport like soccer. Obviously, it would not be ideal to practice outside when the snow can be up to your ankles.

At open gyms, you are able to get touches on a ball, which prepares you for when you do end up starting practices.

“It helps me as a player knowing where I’m supposed to be,” said Alivea.

They can also help with getting into shape. If you don’t play any other sports, attending open gym gives you an opportunity to get back into the groove of playing soccer.

Alivea said, “even being there you have a better chance of making it on the team.”

A familiar face?

Going to open gyms are important for building team chemistry. At the girls open gyms, they begin each one with a team-building game.

“The energy is also super good, and it’s a lot of fun,” said Alivea.

Getting to know who you are going to spend the season with off the field can help you and your team connect on the field.