A Mindful Approach to Football
The varsity football squad at Riverside Brookfield High School has begun a novel training regimen that blends traditional drills with yoga sessions designed to enhance both physical resilience and mental focus.
Stephanie Roldan, a wellness educator with more than a decade of experience in developmental therapy, leads the initiative from her base at The Treehouse, a cooperative wellness space in Riverside. Her approach weaves mobility work, breath awareness and brief periods of shavasana into the athletes’ weekly schedule.
From Therapy to the Locker Room
The yoga practices zero in on hip mobility, a key factor for agility and injury prevention, while also teaching athletes how to manage the rigors of a demanding season through controlled relaxation techniques.
The program’s origins trace back to a chance conversation with Nick Santos, an owner of the nearby Hustle Hard sports‑training facility, who reached out after observing his own children benefit from Roldan’s methods.
Tangible Gains on the Field
Coach Sam Styler, who oversees the football team, gave the green light after seeing early data that showed measurable gains in flexibility, including improved scores on a simple toe‑reach test.
Building on that momentum, the curriculum has expanded to include the school’s volleyball team, where similar gains in body control and camaraderie have been reported.
Restoring Balance
Beyond the physical, Roldan emphasizes the importance of rest, guiding players through shavasana to reset their nervous systems amid packed academic and athletic calendars.
Early outcomes suggest a reduction in overuse injuries and a noticeable lift in team cohesion, prompting administrators to consider a broader rollout across other sports.