Teaming Up over Spring Break

Baseball and lacrosse teams attend spring training.

Strength and conditioning. Skill development and drills. Practice and competitive scrimmages. Team bonding and — most importantly  — fun. During March Break, our baseball and lacrosse teams enjoyed all these things and more on their spring training trips.

Boys and girls lacrosse traveled to Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, to participate in NXT Sport’s Spring Training. They learned new skills and plays and practiced in elite training facilities — some of which were indoors, which was helpful because it was a rainy spring break in the Philadelphia suburbs. Both teams put what they practiced to the test in scrimmages against our rival Millbrook. The boys also faced off against a New Jersey squad, and the girls played against two Pennsylvania teams. “We had some great practices and the opportunity to bond as a team which is really important for chemistry on the field,” shared Matt Steele ’25. “We are ready for our first game of the season.”

Off the field, the lacrosse teams had the opportunity to watch college games and explore Philadelphia. The boys team played paintball and tried cheesesteaks from Pat’s — the self-proclaimed inventor of cheesesteaks. The girls team ran the Rocky Steps and opted for cheesesteaks from Dalessandro’s. “During the trip, we grew closer as a team and shared so many laughs,” says Ivy Dowdle ’24, “We improved our skills, increased our confidence in game situations, implemented new systems, and played against challenging competitors. I truly believe our team is far more prepared for the season ahead than ever before!” 

The baseball team went on the more traditional spring training trip to Florida’s Sunshine City —  St. Petersburg. They participated in Baseball City’s Tampa Bay Spring Training program at the Tampa Bay Rays' former spring training facility. After a full morning of practice, they scrimmaged against teams from Minnesota, Virginia, and Pennsylvania in the afternoon. As a team, they watched World Baseball Classic games and took in an MLB spring training game at George M. Steinbrenner Field where the Twins beat the Yankees in the ninth inning with a three-run homer. They also bonded as a team during trips to the beach and rounds of mini-golf. “We could not have asked for a better trip. We were playing baseball in March and it was eighty-seven degrees and sunny,” says Justin Medeiros ’23. “This season is off to a great start after winning a couple of games down in Florida and building our team unity while on the trip."

“The Athletics Department is thrilled to support off-campus team trips again,” shares Director of Athletics and Afternoon Programs Mo Gaitán. “The opportunity for a team to come together at the beginning of the season — with an immersive experience — is transformational and something our students will take with them for years to come.” Pomfret aims to grow team retreats across sports and seasons in future years.

See more pictures from spring training.