As one season ends for athletes, another is just beginning. In order to prepare for these sports students have been working out and practicing hard. The anticipation for the start of a new season of sports is high. A new season means new athletes, new teams, and much more, all with one common goal: to win the state championship. The winter sports at Padua include winter track, swimming and diving, dance team, and basketball. Tryouts will begin and tensions will be high. The athletes trying out will be focused on making the team of their choice. The freshmen may be trying out for their first high school sport, nervous of the outcome that it will have in store for them. Sophomore Alena Boyer states her opinions on the start of winter sports and tryouts, “I’m slightly nervous for tryouts but really excited because I am ready for basketball to start. I love playing basketball and everyone on the team.” Junior Erial McGrier states her excitement for the beginning of basketball season, “I cannot wait for basketball to start because I just love playing at Padua and everyone on the team, we really bonded and became a close family.” Erial also said she is excited to welcome the freshmen to the Padua basketball program. Another take on winter sports is from junior Hannah Apostolico, a member of the dance team, “I love dancing with the dance team in the winter, we all get along and have the best time together.” The excitement for winter sports to arrive is on an all time high. Padua’s winter sports will begin on November 14th.