News & Events

Well over 100 student-athletes in Middle and Upper School took advantage of Norfolk Academy's Athletics Performance Center over the summer, bettering themselves as they prepare for another sports year.

Director of Athletic Performance Paul Carrezola estimated that 130 student-athletes took part in summer training, which began right after classes ended in June and continued right up till the start of fall practices in August. Student-athletes ranged from 7th through 12th grades.

Carrezola and Associate Director of Athletic Performance Rachel Lifson led the training, which improved strength and conditioning by working athletes both in the APC and outside on athletics fields. A few interns also supported the training. 

Carrezola and Lifson were very busy over the summer, and not just training student-athletes. They were part of a podcast in July that highlighted the work happening at Norfolk Academy as well as the vision behind the program. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5hvpwwKJCGUPsTh7irxwKT?si=fQy0jHckTRuu4sdzau2FoA&utm_source=copy-link

In August, they did another podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzjIZaKGVOs, which dives deep into their approach to athletic performance, including summer training, sprint mechanics, relative strength, front squats, split squats, sumo deadlifts, Olympic lifting derivatives, RSI testing, and in-season training. They explain how they teach athletes to improve posture, hip drive, and sprint mechanics using drills, band resistance, and simple coaching cues. They also discuss why they prioritize technique and relative strength over simply chasing heavier numbers, particularly with developing athletes. 

All of this support prepares student-athletes for their coming seasons. Fall athletics practices began in August, with games already well underway. Learn more about the APC: https://www.instagram.com/norfolk_academy_ap/