Before the varsity spotlight, hard work begins at the underclassmen level. At Mater Dei High School, freshman and sophomore athletes train under dedicated coaches, who spend countless hours preparing them for the intensity, speed, and expectations of top-level competition.

For Sophomore Basketball Coach Jim Larkins, development begins with the mind. When skill work remains essential, he believes that confidence, competitiveness, and mentality are what truly separate a sophomore athlete from a varsity-ready player. Practices are intentionally demanding, designed to simulate high-pressure situations so players can become comfortable in such environments. Discipline is emphasized daily, from being on time to leading drills, reinforcing the championship standards that define the Boys Basketball program under the dynasty of Head Coach Gary McKnight.

“I approach player development with an emphasis on mental and physical development,” Larkins said. “A player who is comfortable with a situation because he’s seen it before will perform better.”

That same preparation mindset carries into volleyball. JV Volleyball Coach Mike Nguyen prioritizes mastering fundamentals at the frosh/soph level. However, he balances skill development with varsity-level expectations by demanding consistent effort, communication, and responsibility.

“An incoming freshman athlete is learning how to play,” Nguyen said. “A varsity-ready athlete knows how to compete with consistency and discipline.”

Nguyen prepares players for faster competition by training at game speed and creating drills that demand quick decision-making. Communication is non-negotiable, building habits that help athletes handle pressure without losing emotional control. He believes strong team chemistry accelerates both confidence and growth, helping players transition more smoothly into higher levels of play.

“By layering pressure, teaching anticipation, and reinforcing emotional control, the game begins to slow down for them,” Nguyen said.

On the soccer field, Sophomore Boys Soccer Coach Peter Glenane focuses on refining technical skill under pressure. Controlling, passing, and shooting must all be executed above-par to prepare for faster and more physical competition.

“Before transitioning to a higher level of play, skill levels need to be improved and refined,” Glenane said. “All aspects of play: controlling, passing, and shooting the ball, need to be done at pace.”

To test the athletes’ readiness, Glenane scrimmages underclassmen players at higher levels to train them to play better in advanced competition. If skills begin to erode under the intensity, practices shift to rebuild those specific weak points and players’ composure and execution. Communication, aggressiveness, and soccer IQ (knowledge of the game) are challenged daily, so players can learn to anticipate rather than react, making them more worthy of the varsity title.

“Lower level players are challenged on a daily basis to improve their skill set, vision and field awareness, build their ‘soccer IQ,’ and communicate in all situations on the field,” Glenane said

Across all three programs, collaboration among freshman, sophomore, junior varsity, and varsity coaches ensures that Mater Dei’s high expectations are met consistently. It is the preparation of every upcoming athlete to perform comfortably and to the program standard. Through discipline, training, and growth, coaches ensure that when athletes reach JV and varsity levels, they are ready both physically and mentally to compete at the highest levels.

“Ready players are players that anticipate what is about to happen or what should happen next,” Larkins said. “Their leadership and understanding of the game stand out as much as their physical skills.”