A Look Into Preseason

As the third week of university begins, many students at St Andrews are either settling back into the rhythm of lectures or counting down the days until reading week. Our student-athletes, however, are continuing to build upon the momentum that began in preseason. 

Although arriving early had its perks, such as avoiding hours in the Vodafone queue or exploring St Andrews without crowds of students, these student-athletes underwent weeks of intense training to prepare for the upcoming sports season. I spoke with several athletes over the past week to gain an insider's perspective on the preseason.   

Talking with Dylan Ellins, a returning footballer after a two-year injury, I was able to get a glimpse of a typical day as a midfielder on the Men’s 2s. With two practices daily, starting at 10:30 AM, Dylan explained, “your heavier sessions are in the morning; if there is going to be running involved, it is going to be then.” After an intense practice designed to build strength and stamina, the team breaks for lunch together. This time is not just about recovery, but it gives freshers the chance to bond with the older players and also helps reconnect returning players. The day usually ends with a match, aimed to help players learn each other’s style of play and strengthen their teamwork on the pitch. 

Meanwhile, Emily McDonald, a centre midfielder on the Women’s 1s hockey team, said her first preseason as a fresher was physically demanding. “We start training at 9:30 and have a two and a half hour training session, which usually goes until twelve,” she described. “Then, we go back to the flat that we were staying at for lunch, then go back to the pitch for a 2:30 training session until five. We wrap up the day with a team sea dip.” Even with several competitive friendlies and little free time, she emphasized that the encouragement from her coaches and teammates made the intensity both manageable and enjoyable.

Although the demands of preseason can be daunting, many athletes describe it as one of their u times of the year. Nate Beech-Brandt, a fourth-year striker on the Men’s 2s, told me that after practices, he and his teammates often play golf and attend team socials, sharing how the highlight is always the Dundee night out. Emily highlighted the impact of staying with one of the older girls on the team for their two weeks of preseason. Cooking together and spending time with the girls on the team before freshers' week gave her the chance to form strong friendships, making the transition to a new environment that much easier. 

Every player takes something valuable from preseason, as the experience not only shapes their teams but also sets the tone for the season ahead. We look forward to cheering our fellow Saints on this upcoming year and wish them the best of luck.

Left: Dylan Ellins Right: Nate Beech-Brand [Credit: Kenzie Hessell]