Kylie Swanson | Sports Co-Editor

Buena Vista University’s (BVU) softball team is taking their offseason seriously as they participate in workouts five days a week under the direction of strength and conditioning coach, Lane Gries. Their workouts change daily and include conditioning elements such as running, lifts, agility exercises, and medicine ball workouts. Sophomore Stephanie Hayden and junior Samantha Engleman agree that the medicine balls are the toughest workouts of the week.

“Fridays are our favorite because we get to do med-ball workouts! He likes to kick our butts, but it’s making us better,” Hayden said.

Though the workouts are not mandatory; each member of the team is well aware that they are expected to attend and most do not need to be reminded. If there is a conflict in their schedule where they cannot make the scheduled workout, all they have to do is talk to their coaches to reschedule their times. The players do not seem to have a problem attending their workouts as they motivate each other.

“For the most part, if you know your teammates are going to be there, and everyone is working for the same goal, then you’re going to go in and get your work done to prepare for the season,” Engleman said.

Another bonus of the offseason work the team is putting in is that it has helped them build their team unity as they are preparing for their spring season.

“You know if your team is doing the same things you’re doing, and if they’re working as hard as you are, they are going to have your back. It helps all the way around so you know there’s someone else doing the same amount of work as you and they’re there for you,” Engleman said.

The Beavers’ start of the season is a ways a way, kicking off March 1, 2013 when they will travel to Rosemount, Minnesota for a weekend tournament.

Photos by David Ekstrom