“I was pleased when Coach Hefner reached out to me,” Kaycie said. “”I’m trying to expand and offer more community programs like this. It’s exciting.”
Kaycie has worked with other local sports teams, citing the Teutopolis girls basketball team and St. Elmo volleyball team as examples.
“There is a relationship between strength and flexibility,” Kaycie added. “Athletes need to be strong, but they also need a range of motion. YOGA can help prevent some injuries due to flexibility and balance, as well.”
Effingham juniors Austin Herboth and Trevor Donsbach are two of the football players in the class.
“Some of the poses we do are really hard and you can really feel the stretch,” Trevor said. “But if you stick with it and keep working, they get a little easier. It’s helping us be more flexible.”
“I believe this is a benefit for us,” Austin added. “It’s helping us stay healthy and bringing us more together as team. I think everyone is pretty excited about it.”
Hefner views YOGA as simply a different type of training.
“It’s helping with flexibility, stability and body awareness,” he said. “I also think it’s helped them mentally. We don’t have a lot of depth at certain positions. I see this as another way to help us stay as healthy as possible during the season.”
Kaycie wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but is pleased with how things have turned out.
“The seniors have been really supportive,” she said. “They made a point early on to tell me they had my back. That was really cool.
“The kids have been very receptive,” Kaycie added. “I didn’t how they’d react at first, but I think they’re seeing the benefits now. Lately, we’ve also been working on mental toughness and discipline. All these things can be beneficial for them.”
Erin Goldstein, who is being trained by Kaycie to become a certified instructor, will take over for the remainder of the season since Kaycie is 37 weeks pregnant.
Another benefit of the program?
The Hearts have gained a couple new fans.
“We took our 5-year-old son to his first football game this fall,” Kaycie said. “It’s been fun to follow the team’s progress. We’re definitely fans and wish the team the best of luck in the playoffs.”
