Inside Woodgrove High School’s very own girl’s lacrosse team, a new member has been added to the organization. This trainer has pushed each of the athletes beyond their limits, increased their strength, and boosted their confidence in multiple ways. He has played a major role in girls lacrosse this pre-season, and his name is Mr. Billy Fierstein.
The girls lacrosse team has always had training in the off-season. However, this is the first time they have used Fierstein’s company TrueAP, which is a company built around improving agility and strength for young athletes. Fierstein explained, “Coach Taylor is excited about building the program from the ground up. She felt working with TrueAP, [Fierstein’s company], would help increase turnout at off-season workouts, resulting in better performance in season.” The students who were previously on the team last year also agree with this new way of offseason conditioning. Delany Akers, a sophomore, expressed, “Training with Billy has definitely improved my performance a lot. I feel that the training that we have done over the past couple months has made me faster and stronger.”
Although this is the first season of Fierstein’s training, his newly introduced workouts are working to make the team the best they can be. “We provide sport-specific training for athletes. The skills we teach directly translate on the field,” Fierstein shared, “Because the girls spent all off season working together, they have built a chemistry and toughness as a team that proves that they can attack any challenge that comes their way.”
Not only is Fierstein talented in providing the correct training for the girls lacrosse team, he also inspires the athletes to strive. Senior Mackenzie Brown remarked, “At the end of each training, Billy always gives us positive reinforcement which I think encourages people to return each week.” When asked about a time when she personally felt encouraged, Brown explained, “[Once] I was doing an eccentric pull up and Billy pushed me to hold it to improve my time…Billy’s energy and positivity always keeps the workouts fun.”
Although Fierstein is only the girls lacrosse team’s trainer, he has formed a special bond with the girls throughout his time with them. Fierstein explained, “It has been great to see the older girls cheering on and supporting the underclassmen. This is a group that really supports each other and pushes one another to be better everyday.” Fierstein is always so happy to come back every week because of this team’s energy. Fierstein stated, “Each week any of the girls does something that makes me proud. They all push themselves incredibly hard.”
During sessions, the girls do have to remain steady and stay focused. However, there are moments when the team can become foolish and playful. Fierstein commented, “Each girl has done something during our sessions that makes me pause and laugh or smile!” During workouts, the team enjoys listening to music to keep them motivated. Fierstein shared that their favorite song was “No Broke Boys. Somehow it has made its way onto every playlist! The girls always stop and sing or bust out a dance move.”
In the upcoming spring athletics season, students at Woodgrove may see improvements in their girls lacrosse team’s strength and confidence. One of the main reasons why these improvements may be seen is because of Fierstein’s training. Brown added, “As I approach the end of high school and into becoming a collegiate athlete, Billy has made me realize when it is all over you can still find ways to love your sport.”
