This year, Sidwell had three spring break sports trips to Florida and South Carolina: baseball, girls lacrosse and crew. During these trips, students did not just enjoy the experience of being in either Florida or South Carolina; they also took the time to develop as athletes and as a program.
The varsity boys and girls tennis teams went to Orlando Florida on a joint trip two weeks prior to spring break.
Baseball traveled to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on March 20. Players spent five days practicing and playing games against schools from Arkansas, Illinois and Pennsylvania. Although the varsity program left Myrtle with a 1-2 record, the team is returning to Washington, with heightened focus after three wins in a row against St. James and St. Albans. In addition to the competitive aspect of the trip, players enjoyed racing go-karts, playing minigolf and taking a short trip to Top Golf. Many players spent downtime playing MLB The Show on senior Cody Encarnation’s PS5 and enjoying each other’s company according to junior Johnny Klug.
In Clearwater, Florida, the varsity girls lacrosse team also left on March 20 for a five-day trip. Like baseball, girls’ lacrosse also offered the opportunity to practice daily and compete against other schools. Girls lacrosse finished the trip with a 2-0 record, beating IMG Academy 13-12 and All Saints Academy from Winter Haven, Florida, 12-2. Not only did the team enjoy their success in-game, but they also had fun outside of competition. Sophomore Zoe Degarmo noted how she and her teammates also had fun spending time at the beach, where they could relax, play football and play beach volleyball. Degarmo highlighted her experiences at team dinners and zipline courses, emphasizing the impact it had on team bonding. Back in Washington, girls lacrosse is continuing its success with a three-game win streak against Flint Hill, Holy Cross and St. Andrews.
Additionally in Florida, Sidwell’s crew team took a trip to DeLand to train. Although the team did not participate in any regattas, the trip remained an important part of the season. Spring break was the first time this season that the respective boats V1, V2 and Novice could train as separate crews. Before spring break, all three crews combined to teach novices proper rowing technique. The crew trip allowed team members to become familiar with their crews and to enjoy spending time together and having fun in DeLand. Sophomore Margarethe Treeck stated that “I think the team bonded a lot across grades and grew a lot closer.” Treeck also mentioned the fun the team had outside of training, such as watching rowing and swimming movies and playing volleyball at the beach. A highlight for many team members was seeing manatees and alligators on the lake according to Treeck. Another highlight was eating at an all-you-can-eat pancake house.
Post-spring break, Sidwell’s crew team returns with a greater sense of community and focus as the three crews prepare for their first regatta on April 4 in Middletown, Delaware.
All three trips — baseball, girls lacrosse and crew — not only developed Sidwell’s sports programs and their athletes, but also created an environment where fun and community could be fostered, building team spirit and friendship.