By Sophie Parker
Winter at NCSSM can feel long. The sun sets earlier, the air is colder, and it gets harder and harder to find a reason not to snooze your alarm in the morning. Everyone can agree that it can be difficult to find motivation during those three months, but everyone can also agree that they have something to help them make their way towards March.
For me, that something was winter sports. This season, I participated in both swimming and indoor track. Each one gave me something different. Track, in particular, reminded me why I’ve always loved running, even when conditions aren’t ideal it was still rewarding. It feels familiar and steady, giving me a foundation during the winter months, something I could rely on when everything else felt draining. Even though running in the cold isn’t always comfortable, it held a certain amount of warmth in its own way, especially in the acknowledgment that my teammates were showing up in the same way I was. No matter the season, I can trust that running will be there to give me encouragement.
On the other hand, swimming was completely new for me. I thought it would be a complete one-eighty from track, and in some ways it was, but in others, it was surprisingly similar. Although it was very intimidating at first, after the first practice my nerves were at ease and I started looking forward to swim practices the same way I did with track. It became something fun and reliable that gave me a steady way to move through winter, especially because I wasn’t able to run after dark. I met new people and discovered a new sport that I am excited to continue next winter.
Balancing both swimming and indoor track at the same time was not as difficult as one would think during J-Term because the course work was significantly lighter compared to the first semester. It was also one of the most rewarding parts of my winter. Being part of two teams made the season even more meaningful and exciting. Looking back, I can definitely say it was worth the effort. One of the best parts of winter sports was the sense of community it brought. When it’s cold and dark outside it’s easy to want to stay in your room, but practice gave me a reason to spend more time with my friends when I most likely wouldn’t have otherwise. They reminded me that taking care of my physical health supports my mental health, and in doing these sports I felt more balanced and less stressed, a reason why I so highly recommend participating in a winter sport.
Now, as winter fades, spring approaches and the weather begins to warm, I’m excited for what’s ahead. Spring sports bring longer days and new opportunities, and I encourage everyone to watch, support, or participate if they can. I’m grateful for everything winter sports gave me, and I’m excited to see what this next season has to offer. Everyone made it to March somehow, each with their own passions, making it meaningful to see the different ways people find their way through winter.
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