By Pia Perthen, Sports Editor
Summer is the time for student-athletes to fill up the batteries and recover from an injury to be the best possible version of themselves for the upcoming fall season. This is exactly what Emma Laade, a sophomore playing indoor and beach volleyball, tries to take away from this summer break to come back stronger after her knee injury.
Laade, who grew up in Bradenton, Fla., is prioritizing strength training and conditioning this summer to obtain the shape she had before her injury.
“I practice a lot of fundamentals and footwork to get back into the game,” Laade said.
For Laade, a day during summer could start with a glass of orange juice and a healthy breakfast consisting of protein pancakes, eggs, and, if she is still hungry, some yogurt with fruit, honey, and granola. Then she goes to work from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and eats a healthy lunch at noon during work.
“On days I don’t have to work, I am working out with my personal trainer at 10 in the morning and drink a protein shake straight after,” Laade said.
On workdays, she goes to the gym right after to lift. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, she helps the high school volleyball team with practice. Laade usually stays longer to work more on her game with her old teammates.
“Since I did rehab due to my injury this summer, I was not able to join my Saint Leo teammates at open gyms because I haven’t been cleared yet,” Laade expressed.
In the evenings, Laade likes to wind down and eat whatever her mom conjures onto the table. That could be a variety of chicken, steak, fish, potatoes, or pasta, and after, Laade might walk her dogs with her mom or hang out with friends.
During her vacation trips to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Key West, Laade could fully relax and use the travels to fill up her emotional tanks while discovering new, beautiful areas.
“I went hiking in both Hawaii and Puerto Rico, and it was amazing to see new terrain and visit places I have not been to before,” Laade said.
While she also spends a lot of time on the beach and in the gym during summer break, Laade cannot wait to get back to the grind in the gym at Saint Leo and see all her teammates and friends again.
“My personal expectations [for the upcoming season]are to not hold myself back due to my surgery but instead use it as motivation to succeed on the court,” Laade said. “Teamwise, I am hoping for a good atmosphere, good chemistry, and a really competitive attitude to win!”
