Holy Family High School is not only known for its strict, catholic standards that come at a high price tag, but the athletics of which have won multiple rivalry games and state championships. As students walk out of the school after the final bell, Holy Family athletes are just getting started. Beyond the intense multiple hours of daily practice, what makes these athletes different from the rest? Starting with how they prepare for game day.
Varsity Poms captain, Grace Mischker has danced for poms for the past three years, leading them to an impressive finish at nationals and state last year, finishing tenth in the nation in poms, 4th in 
the nation for game day and 2nd at state. The night before competing, Grace says she will go over her dances so that she is prepped for the next day. Morning of competition, Grace says she will give herself a long time to get ready in order to keep her nerves low. “I make sure to play music because it calms me,” she adds, “I take deep breaths and try not to get into my head.” While it is common for athletes to pump themselves up and have high adrenaline, Grace’s secret to success is to stay calm and collected, having sharp focus and explicit intention.
Star varsity basketball players, Matthew Evans and Ryan Grable are known for their skill and leadership on the court, but behind closed doors what is their game day ritual to help them exceed in their performance? Evans and Grable appreciate repetition. They listen to the same song before every game, calming their nerves. Similarly, baseball state champions Keenan Hughes and Oliver Hansen will draw the same pattern in the sand before they go up to bat. Hansen says, “Before I go to play I cross the ground with my bat.”
Holy Family students don’t just rely on talent but mental discipline and focus before games or competition. The commitment outside of practice set’s the Holy Family athletes apart from your typical competition.
