Spring Preseason Trips

As winter season comes to an end and spring approaches, Deerfield’s fields and courts begin to fill with energy once again. Every game day is built on weeks of preparation, early practices, team meetings, and developing chemistry. This spring break, athletes from Golf, Lacrosse, Baseball, Water Polo, Softball, and Rowing travelled to various locations to refine their skills and prepare for the upcoming season. Conversations with the captains and players across all six teams manifested a common theme: the preseason trip was more than just improving their performance; it was about strengthening the bonds central to Deerfield’s athletics.

For many teams, connections developed as much off the field as they did on it. The baseball team, for example, Captain Jack Welch ’26 described how the team’s trip built chemistry beyond practice creating space for those bonds to form naturally. Spending time together as one unit “helped a lot… just being around everyone, sharing every meal together… in a non-baseball setting,” he added; the camaraderie is expected to be carried into the season, with players becoming more comfortable “holding each other accountable… to create a winning culture.”

A similar emphasis on connection appeared in the rowing team. Girls’ Rowing Captain Ariana Djunic ’26 explained that the team’s biggest improvement was learning to move as one unit, “putting the team first… making sure the boat was moving fast. It’s not like yourself moving faster.” In rowing, a sport defined by synchronization, this shift toward collective performance is essential.

To build unity, the rowing program focused on bringing the entire team together. Boys’ Rowing Captain Sasha Djunic ’26 described how preseason integrated new and returning athletes. “We tried to… do a lot of things outside of rowing… so that everyone felt like they were a part of it,” he said, with the goal of becoming “one boathouse instead of a couple boats.” Activities like team meals and a trivia night helped create connections that extended beyond individual lineups.

Other teams focused more than integration and were forced to adapt in different ways. Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Captain Cooper Brozek ’26 pointed to limited field time due to weather as a key challenge. Still, the team adjusted, “We found a new field… and made the most of the practices we could get in,” he said, “Each day… relationships start to build.” Even with those setbacks, consistent time together allowed relationships to develop. 

Across all the teams, preseason trips helped shape how athletes are approaching the season ahead. For rowing, that means measuring progress against strong competition. Ariana Djunic noted the team’s excitement to “see what we can do against our strong competitors… and how we improve over the course of the season.” For baseball, the focus is more direct. Welch emphasized a shared goal of competing for a championship, adding that the team is “excited just to… get on the field with everybody and win some games.”

At the same time, preseason carried added significance for senior leaders. For Sasha Djunic, it was an opportunity to set a standard that lasts beyond this year, with an emphasis on “pass[ing] on the tradition and community to the younger guys… so they can hopefully pass it on.”

Taken together, these experiences reflect a consistent outcome across Deerfield’s spring teams. While each program approached preseason differently, they all pointed to stronger relationships, clearer goals, and a more connected team environment heading into the season.