Instead of participating in an after school activity at Pingree, some students choose to work independently specifically on their activity through Pingree’s Independent Project option. Through this option, students can opt out of a school sport or strength and conditioning program and instead train on or off-campus typically for their primary sport. The project has become very popular for students who want a more personalized activity for after school co-curriculars.
Senior Kyle Daniels, who is participating in an Independent Project this winter, works with a personal trainer who specializes in football. Daniels works out four days a week for an hour and a half at Straight Fast Gym in Newton, Massachusetts. “My trainer is very knowledgeable about football,” Daniels said. “The training is personalized for me and focuses on what I specifically need to improve on to become a better football player.” Daniels says he enjoys the experience because it challenges him outside of school, and allows him to focus on his athletic growth. He also mentions that he would recommend it to other students who are serious about their sport.
Sophomore Charlie Brogna chose to focus on baseball training for his Independent Project. After playing basketball last winter, Brogna realized he wanted to dedicate more time to baseball for an important upcoming season. “I didn’t have that much fun playing basketball last year,” Brogna said. “I wanted to focus on baseball and really get better.” Brogna trains four days a week for two hours at the Show Facility in Peabody, Massachusetts. He says, “I enjoy it because I can focus on myself and getting better.” He recommends it to people who really want to commit to their sport.
Junior Jack Spear does a quarterback training program through M2QB Academy. His training focus is on field development, including footwork, quarterback reads, and decision making for his position. Spear trains four days a week for an hour and 30 minutes at Essex Sports Center and Pembroke Field. “I love it because it gives me the freedom to work on exactly what I want to work on,” Spear said. “Pingree does not have a quarterback trainer, so this kind of personal training is really helpful.” Spear says he would recommend the Independent Project to other people, especially those whose specific position or sport is not supported through other seasons.
According to Assistant Athletic Director Jabari Scutchins, participation in Independent Projects varies by season, with around 30-40 students approved in the program each season. Within the Independent Project, around 6-8 students in total have ever been declined, due to not meeting the requirement. “The accessibility and demands of the athletic world are changing,” Jabari said. “We want students to feel supported, especially in sports or activities that we don’t offer during a certain season.”
To be approved, students must submit a proposal before the season begins. Independent Projects must involve a sport or co-curriculary opportunity that is not already offered at Pingree. Projects require a minimum commitment of four days per week for at least 90 minutes per day and must be supervised by a qualified expert.
The Independent Project program continues to offer students a flexible way to train. For athletes like Daniels, Brogna, and Spear, the opportunity provides a chance to take control of their development of their main sport.
