The practice of yoga is known to improve flexibility, relieve stress, and improve mental focus and strength. On Friday, April 25, Padua’s soccer team took a new and different approach to the traditional practice of yoga though. Hoping to improve flexibility, strength, and breathing capacity, the team was led by a local yoga instructor, Courtney Norris in a variety of stretches and small meditations. The session ran for about an hour, and team members left feeling rejuvenated, flexible, and focused.

Practicing yoga with the team had a positive effect on everyone involved. Junior varsity team member, Victoria Anderson (’18), says she enjoyed the experience and is excited for the team’s next session. She states, “I felt extremely relaxed and stretched after finishing yoga. It was a great way to unwind and focus on getting stronger and more flexible after a long week.” She also noted that it was her first experience with the activity. “Having never done yoga before, I was nervous about trying it for the first time,” Victoria says. “I was surprised to find out that the poses were easy to follow, and our instructor was extremely patient and encouraging.” The team will continue to engage in these sessions until the end of the soccer season, which will hopefully allow them to grow and improve as a team.

Besides yoga, Padua soccer is also an extremely strong team on the field. The varsity team is undefeated with a record of 9-0 and the junior varsity team’s record is 4-0-1. The team is doing exceptional this season and is hoping to claim the state title for their fourth year in a row.