From Court to Coasters: Hopkins Spring Break Training in Florida

The teams stayed at Universal’s Cabana Bay Resort, where they enjoyed both rigorous practices on the fields, and downtime at Universal Studios. The daily training sessions, which lasted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., were designed to sharpen each team's skills in preparation for the upcoming season. The afternoons were spent exploring the world-renowned theme park, Universal, where many athletes took time to unwind and have fun with their teammates outside of their usual competitive environment. 

Kristen Wich, Head Coach of Girls Lacrosse, said, “It’s always a highlight to escape the cold New England winter and train in the warmth of Florida.” She continues by addressing the importance of team bonding through this trip: “Not only do we get a chance to improve on the field through scrimmages and daily practices, but we also have the chance to bond off the field, creating lasting friendships and team chemistry. It’s incredibly rewarding to see both our Varsity and JV players come together as one unified team for a week of training, laughter, and memories.” 

For the Girls’ Tennis team, this trip wasn’t just about perfecting their serves and backhands—it was also about creating deeper connections with their teammates. Michael McManus, the Head Coach of the Girls’ Tennis team, said, “The trip really helped bring the team closer together. It wasn’t just about the sport; it was about spending time with teammates and building stronger friendships, which is something that’s often hard to do during the busy school year. It was nice to connect in a more relaxed environment outside of practice.” 

Ksenia Podoltseva ’27, a varsity tennis player, echoed McManus’s sentiments, sharing her excitement about the trip’s positive impact. “It was a perfect balance of hard work and fun. After our training sessions, we would head straight to the park. My favorite part was Harry Potter World—I couldn’t get enough of it. On the last day, a few of us braved the water rides and ended up completely soaked, which was the perfect way to wrap up our week.”

 Anson Pitts ’28, a golf player also reflected a typical day in Florida: “We woke up at 6:50 AM, groggy and not exactly thrilled about the hotel breakfast—which, let’s be honest, was pretty mid. The highlight of the trip wasn’t even the golf, but the team dinner at that Mexican restaurant on City Walk. That night was pure vibes—laughing, stuffing our faces with tacos, and just unwinding as a team.” Golf  experienced a scrimmage with Exeter, where the top two players secured a win, setting a confident tone for the season. Pitts mentions: “it was kinda cold out, but honestly, the weather overall was solid—clear skies and just enough chill to keep us sharp.”

For the baseball team, the trip was equally memorable. Tommy Corwin ’27 and Gus Witt ’27, two players on the team, shared a special memory from their time in Florida: “The last night of the trip was definitely the highlight. We all hung out with Julian Turner and Sean Studley, and it was just a great way to end an already amazing week. The team dynamic really changed after that—it was like we were all on the same page, and that made our practices even more productive.” Baseball Head Coach and Director of Athletics Rocco DeMaio reflected on how the trip brought out the best in the athletes. “Training in Florida was a game-changer. The athletes pushed themselves to new levels, and the competition within the teams made everyone raise their game. It was a week of hard work, but also a week that helped the players come together as a unit.”

Overall, the trip was “an incredible for all teams involved, providing all athletes a chance to work hard, have fun, and form lifelong friendships,” said Roselyn Shen ’27, a key member of the Girls Varsity Tennis Team. “The trip was so fun, I returned to campus energized, tanned, and ready for the season!” commented Sophia Li ’28. Ksenia ’27 describes this experience: “I think the trip enhanced the team's overall dynamic. It’s nice to bond with your teammates outside of your sport and create memories that will stay with us for a long time.”