Being a student athlete can be demanding. Whether in season or not, athletes are expected to maintain certain fitness goals to be ready when competition begins again. Balancing classes, practices and personal commitments adds another layer of challenge for those striving to stay competitive year-round. Student-athletes from the men’s basketball team, baseball team and dance team at Oakland University shared how they stay fit during the offseason.
Men’s basketball player Warren Marshall focuses not only on physical activity but also on his diet.
“The way I stay in shape during the offseason is by running in the morning and getting a good lift in to start my day off while also getting a good breakfast in after,” Marshall said.
While he gets one skill workout in throughout the day, Marshall also enjoys live play, often joining pickup games or competing in a recreational league. He believes variety helps prevent burnout and keeps training fun even when competition slows down. To finish his day, he typically goes to the gym at night to take extra shots and stay in rhythm.
“Staying hydrated and eating a lot of protein to stay lean is a big key to my on-court success,” Marshall said.
Baseball player Cash Van Ameyde also emphasizes a balance between training and nutrition.
“Five days a week, I try to get a lift in, including mobility to stay healthy,” he said.
Van Ameyde makes sure to have balanced meals before and after workouts. Along with conditioning a few times a week, he finds places to hit, which keeps his muscles sharp and helps rebuild stamina. He said consistency is the hardest part but also the most rewarding when progress becomes noticeable.
“I try to get good sleep in the offseason too,” he said. “That helps with recovery and allows me to stay healthy.”
By maintaining a productive routine, Van Ameyde said he can perform to the best of his abilities. He added that mental focus is just as important as physical strength, especially during long training stretches.
“When I need to perform, I can be as successful as I want to be,” he said.
Dance team member Melayna Gargasoulas strives to stay active and maintain a balanced diet when she’s not in season. She enjoys going on walks, taking Pilates classes and attending personal training sessions a few times a week. Toward the end of summer, her team also holds group workouts, which help her stay motivated and in shape. She described the supportive environment among teammates as crucial for accountability and encouragement.
Her offseason diet depends on what she’s in the mood for that day, but she practices moderation.
“I really try to incorporate a lot of protein but also carbs for that energy,” Gargasoulas said.
She believes in never fully restricting herself, allowing occasional indulgences as long as they’re balanced. Gargasoulas said she feels and performs differently when eating a nutritious, protein-filled meal compared with fast food or unhealthy snacks.
Proper nutrition, she said, affects confidence, focus and endurance just as much as dance practice itself. Eating carbs before a workout provides her with energy, and she refuels with protein afterward to support muscle recovery.
Staying motivated during the offseason can be challenging, but with a consistent routine and a balanced diet, athletes can enter the upcoming season feeling stronger and more prepared than before. Maintaining discipline off the court is what often defines success once the season returns.
