How did Students Remain Active Over Break?

As winter break approached, excitement rippled through the upper school halls. For most students, the countdown meant a pause from deadlines and academic obligations. But for many Holton athletes, winter break did not contain a stop in training.

Winter sports often forge strong connections among teams through morning practice, long hours, competitive games and lasting traditions. Thus, when school sports come to a pause, many athletes like to keep active. Whether it is skiing down the slopes in Utah or going on a run, stu- dents can do it all.

Sophia Fletcher ’27, HAA member and jv ice hockey captain, stayed active over break by practicing yoga with her mom. She also recommended group workout classes “because sometimes working out can be hard without having the motivation of your peers around you.”

For Lila Braunstein ’29, a PE 600 athlete, winter break training consisted of attending gymnastics practices and working out. Cardio and strength workouts throughout the vacation kept Braunstein conditioned for the demanding gymnastics meets and practices post-break.

Evie Dull ’29 and Lydia O’Quinn ’26, both indoor-track athletes, enjoyed going on runs over the break. Dull is a multi-sport athlete, so she also attended soccer practices throughout the vacation.

O’Quinn, cross-country and track captain, stated that running is her favorite workout to engage in when not at school.

Ice hockey captain Audrey O’Beirne ’26 continued her sport during the winter break because she plays “year-round for an AAA ice hock- ey club team, the Washington Pride.” Her club is high-commitment but high-reward.

She has been playing for this team for three years and has built strong connections with her teammates. Over the break, O’Beirne spent time with her teammates, whom she is “super close with” because they are together so much.

Sloan Quint ’27 plays tennis to keep herself warm during the winter break. She typically likes to practice by herself, but sometimes she will play with her friends.

Quint remarked, “I have been doing this every winter to keep up with my sport and stay active.”

Becca Bash ’27, a track athlete, skis to keep active. She stated, “I have the privilege to ski for about 15 days a ski season!” Bash “learned to ski at Liberty Mountain as soon as [she] could walk, but now [her] family... spend[s] winter and spring break skiing out west in Colorado.”

She reflected, “Skiing every winter has brought me many friends, long

time mentors and extreme fun!!!”