Rec Sports

EPIC for Girls empowers, encourages and celebrates student athletes

Published

4 months ago

September 1, 2025

Title IX legislation in the 1970s mandated gender equity in athletics. Despite strides made by women, resource and facility disparities persist.

Omaha nonprofit EPIC for Girls is on a mission to level the playing field by providing school-age teams with gear, travel sponsorship, extra coaching and college exposure they may not have access to otherwise.

Some metro athletes benefiting from EPIC’s work recently spoke to The Reader. Parents and coaches weighed in, too. There’s wide agreement that if girls are to reach their potential, it requires support from families, schools and community organizations to help fill funding and opportunity gaps that can otherwise act as barriers to participation and development.

“EPIC for Girls researches, advocates for and funds innovative solutions that address inequities in sports for girls of color,” said director of programs and strategic partnerships Racquel Henderson. “We do not run direct programming. Instead, we work alongside schools, clubs, community organizations and other partners to strengthen the entire youth sports ecosystem.”

Racquel Henderson

Through its Community of Practice, she said EPIC equips coaches, mentors and program leaders with tools, resources and training to create safe, inclusive, empowering environments.

“We focus on increasing access, representation and opportunity, especially in communities where girls of color are often left out of the game,” Henderson said. “Whether investing in coach development, helping organizations adopt best practices or celebrating the achievements of girls, EPIC’s role is to make sure every girl has the chance to participate, grow and thrive on and off the field.”

Those impacted by EPIC say it empowers student-athletes by helping them develop athletic and life skills that can lead to scholarships for college and set them up for careers.

Omaha Benson juniors Mckenzie (Kenzie) Lewis and Jaeli Franccini have played basketball together since middle school. They competed on the EPIC sponsored Unity Stars summer AAU team. Kenzie’s father Chillous Lewis has “worked with her her whole life” developing her game. She’s also come under the influence of school and AAU coaches. She wears number 10 in honor of the late Darryl Roddy, who impacted her as a coach with Unity Stars and Benson.

Mckenzie Lewis and the late coach Darryl Roddy. (Courtesy photo)

“He meant a lot,” Kenzie noted. “I looked up to him as like a grandpa or great uncle. I really do miss him. I wish he was still here to see the progress that I made because of him.”

Her father’s grateful for what Kenzie got from Roddy and the opportunities EPIC afforded through Unity.

“That’s the team she was raised in,” Chillous Lewis said. “We really appreciate all they did for her. They taught her a lot.”

The growth she made showed when thrust into a starting role early on at Benson.

“We lost five seniors and a few other players and I was the next person up,” she said. “So taking that role on as a young individual was very hard, but it was also a cool learning experience.”

Another sign of maturation came when Benson won in the closing seconds versus Papio South. Instead of immediately celebrating with her team she consoled a Patio player who collapsed in despair. The sportsmanship moment that made her parents “very proud” went viral. Her growth extends off-the-court as a student ambassador.

With colleges eying her hoops ability, she hopes for a breakout junior season. She and her teammates don’t need to look far to see former Benson athletes who’ve achieved at the next level. The late Simone Goods starred at Western Kentucky and Illinois State. Alum Quinesha Lockett excelled at Toledo and now plays professionally overseas. When Lockett’s in town she works with Benson’s girls.

Benson girls basketball head coach Bob Massey appreciates former players like Lockett, Deleyah Harris and Delani Harris coming back to give back.

“I’m blessed to have so many young women who played for me come back in the summer to scrimmage my high school teams, which really helps them develop,” he said. “And they mentor them. I can tell them everything I want to, but if they hear it from one of the girls who are good at basketball and doing good in life they listen more than they do to me. It’s a huge thing in the development of the kids who play for me.”

Players Kenzie and Jaeli appreciate scrimmaging older, more experienced players.

Jaeli Franccini and Coach Liara Baylon celebrating state gold medals. (Courtesy photo)

“They play on a different level,” Jaeli said. “They’ve got high basketball IQs. They see things very differently. Definitely more physical, very strong. They teach us things. They give us advice on how to be better. It helps a lot.”

Playing in summer tournaments has helped get her and Kenzie on college scouting radars.

Chillous Lewis said traveling out of state has made his daughter have “to grow up.” The exposure has already netted her offers from HCBUs (Historically Black College and Universities).

“I told her that all the time and effort she’s put in has been worth it,” he said.

Kenzie’s personal growth has extended to conducting EPIC basketball camps for students at Nelson Mandela Elementary School and working as a youth basketball referee thanks to an EPIC officiating school she got certified in.

“Older players did for me so I wanted to return the favor to younger players,” Kenzie said about wirning with younger players. “I want to be looked at as a leader and some of them do look up to me.”

She’s added varsity track and softball to her routine become a three-sport athlete. Benson head girls track coach Liara Baylon likes what Kenzie brings.

“She’s a hard worker for sure,” Baylon said. “She’s definitely getting results on both ends.”

Jaeli has been turning heads on the court a long time, but the last two years has emerged a sprint phenom. Her rapid progress on the track came working with Baylon.

“The relationship got closer and closer after we saw my potential,” Jaeli said. “Maybe two weeks into practice she’s telling me, ‘You’re going to go to state.’ And I was like, ‘What – as a freshman?’ And she never backed off that statement. Ever since then that was the goal, and that’s what I did my freshman year. And then it was to do better my sophomore year – and that’s what I did.”

She went from placing seventh at state as a freshman in the 400 and 100 to last spring winning gold medals in the 100 and 200, breaking school records en route.

“She’s a natural,” Baylon said. “The track gods have got something going for her. But it was a lot of mental, physical hard work she put into the season. I’m so proud she finished the way she did – on top.”

Jaeli is glad she put in the work.

“It made me mature more,” she said. “If I want to do something I know I can do it with the right people around me to support me.”

She and her coach have big goals in mind.

“We definitely have state records on our mind – we’re chasing them,” Baylon said. “Our slogan is go get everything you can get.”

Jaeli’s also a top student. Baylon makes sure all her girls get their academics in order before competing.

“I always tell them being a student-athlete is a blueprint for real life and what you’re going to experience in the real world when it’s all over,” Baylon said.

Despite inequities, women’s athletics is more open with possibilities than ever before and student-athletes like Franccini are well aware of it. “That’s very exciting,” Jaeli said. “Even a few years ago it wasn’t like that. I’m so glad people are watching and women athletes are getting what they deserve now.”

Omaha North dean of students and head girls basketball coach Michaela Dailey sees past and present players take advantage of new pathways. She said EPIC facilitates role modeling-mentoring opportunities. For example, it arranged for local girls to engage women’s college hoops living legend Dawn Staley, a Hall of Fame former player and current coach at South Carolina, during an Omaha visit.

“It was crazy to see her,” Jaeli said. “We were able to ask her questions. My question was what do you look for in a player. She went down the list of attitude, athleticism, how you are with teammates, coaches, refs.”

Coach Michaela Dailey and her North High team. (Courtesy photo)

“EPIC has made a huge impact on our basketball program,” Dailey added. “Their support has not only increased the resources available to us but also elevated the overall quality of experiences our girls are able to access. Through EPIC we’ve been able to provide essential items like equipment, team apparel, travel expenses, meals during the season and leadership development opportunities.”

Some North girls come from households on the margins and Dailey said EPIC “has helped us remove many of the financial and systemic barriers that often limit opportunities for girls in under-resourced communities.”

“EPIC’s investment… has opened doors to experiences many of our players wouldn’t otherwise have access to: skill development sessions, camps led by college and professional coaches, exposure tournaments, mental health and wellness initiatives and leadership training,” Dailey added.

EPIC makes it possible for youths to attend Omaha Supernovas volleyball and Creighton women’s basketball games. Many local girls got the chance to meet their idol, Paige Bueckers, when her UConn Huskies faced the Jays at DJ Sokol Arena. Bueckers now stars in the WNBA.

North grad Dariauna Lewis enjoyed a stellar Alabama A&M career before playing her final year at Syracuse. She now plays professionally overseas. She’s among a cadre of urban Omaha athletes who return to give clinics.

North senior Justine Tcheuhchoua has bonded with her.

“I basically spent the whole summer alongside of her coaching girls,” said Justine, who teamed with older sister Noelle at Omaha Central before transferring to North to play under Dailey (her coach as a middle schooler). Noelle is now on scholarship at Jackson State.

“We complemented each other,” Justine said of their sister tandem. “But I’m also experimenting with how I play on my own. I feel like when I started playing with more confidence and playing like I knew I could play more schools (colleges) started to take notice. That was really big motivation for me to keep playing hard, keep going hard, keep getting better.

“It’s hard to manage time between school life, home life, sports life – it can be really overwhelming. But it’s really all about knowing your priorities. I’m happy with where I’m at now but I’m always striving to continue to get better.”

She’s optimistic North girls hoops are poised for big things.

“We have the talent but we have to get the fundamentals part better,” Justine said. “The goal is not just to make it to state, the goal is to win it. I do feel we have that opportunity in right front of us. All we have to do is work hard to get there.”

Justine already has an offer to join Noelle at Jackson State but is keeping her options open.

The sisters are likely not the last in the family to make their mark. A younger sister plays varsity basketball with Justine. Two sisters in elementary school are showing promise.

“You’re going to be hearing the Tcheuhchoua name a lot,” Justine said.

Her Cameroon, Africa immigrant parents are thrilled that their daughters have found something they love doing that can propel their lives forward.

Justine’s among a trio of seniors, along with Sierra Thomas and A’yanna Hill, who played for the same EPIC sponsored AAU team Express United coached by Dailey and Antonio Hill (A’yanna’s father).

A’yanna Hill and her father Antonio Hill. (Courtesy photo)

“They were so dominant, they were so good together,” A’yanna said of the ensemble. “Me and Dailey have had a big piece of their basketball adolescence. It’s been beautiful to watch.”

Then the girls went their separate ways for high school. But Justine, Sierra and others have since transferred to North.

“It’s like a surreal moment that these girls have all come back together,” A’yanna said. “It’s a feel-good story. They’re all going to play together their senior year and hopefully come away with one ending goal in winning the state championship.”

Dailey feels she has her most talented North team.

In addition to Dailey and Hill, Sierra was coached by her father Barry Thomas. She started high school at South, then transferred to North to reunite with Dailey. Sierra appreciates that Dailey and EPIC have provided mentors to conduct player and team development sessions.

“We had a weekly class learning how we could communicate better within the team, what to do when you notice a teammate is going through any issues,” Sierra said. “The change from the beginning of the season to the end with how we dealt with things was night and day.”

Sierra credits mental toughness coaching with helping her get through a season ending injury.

“My freshman year I averaged nearly a double-double in points and rebounds. My sophomore year I went through an injury.”

Her mother, Sherie Thomas, recalled how Sierra played through the pain until she couldn’t anymore.

“She got injured in a game and continued to play because that’s how much her team meant to her,” Sherie Thomas said. “Finally she had to come out. We only realized after taking her to the doctor that she had torn her ACL.”

Sierra said sitting out and working her way back through rehab taught her mindfulness.

“It was hard,” she said. “But I learned I need to do what’s in my control. I couldn’t control my injury but I could control how I reacted to it and how I grew from it.”

Last year she was still feeling her way back, working off the rust.

“I haven’t been able to hit double-doubles,” Sierra said. “But this year I want to get as close as I can to average a double-double because I know it will help the team. We lost one of our biggest rebounders. I need to excel in that role.”

To get back to where she used to be, she’s taking advantage of any time she gets on the floor in team practice and in extra individual workouts.

Much like her star teammates, Sierra’s getting interest from colleges. Like them, she hopes to see how far she can take her playing career in the new age of NIL, revenue sharing and social media followings.

“There’s been a lot more attention to women’s sports,” Sierra said. “I’m able to now watch the WNBA on live television and I haven’t always been able to do that. It’s really exciting where it’s going.”

Sherie Thomas is not only proud of what Sierra does on the court but in the classroom, including all state academic scholar honors and dual language studies.

“Sierra is a scholar first and foremost,” Sherie Thomas said. “She’s always prioritizing her education.”

Coach Dailey said her student athletes accept that they must perform in the classroom before they perform on the court.

Dariauna Lewis is someone Sierra looks up to.

“She comes to North to visit whenever she’s in town from playing overseas,” Sierra said. “She’s a leader we can look up to because she’s been in our shoes.”

Sierra confirmed she’d like to pay it forward, too, after her college career ends. Teammate A’yanna Hill also views Dariauna Lewis as a role model and mentor.

Nebraska Supreme coach Latrell Wrightsell said this each-one-to-teach-one model inspires succeeding generations of players.

“That’s the beauty of it,” Wrightsell said. “Young ladies now can see the ones that came before them and know it’s very possible.”

Omaha Central grad Lilliana Johnson grew up around organized athletics since her grandfather runs Deleon Youth Sports.

“I was introduced to basketball when I was 5. I tried a lot of different sports and basketball was the only one I stuck with. I really loved it,” said Johnson, who grew up part of a cohort of girl jocks who became like a second family. “Basketball has helped me grow as a person. It made me realize you can always push forward in something you want to do in life and always get better. If you’re determined, there’s always a will and a way.”

She valued competing in out-of-state tournaments for the Latrell Wrightsell-coached AAU team she played on. “

It’s cool to experience being part of a Nebraska team that can go out and compete and win against teams from other states,” she said.

Wrightsell said those are priceless platforms for his athletes to shine in.

“EPIC helps support Nebraska Hoops Elite so we can travel to play in the best tournaments and leagues where our young ladies can showcase their skills to college coaches,” Wrightsell said. “Without them it would be very challenging to give these young ladies a level playing field, exposure and opportunities.”

Getting that exposure was key for Johnson.

“I knew I wanted to go to college for it,” she said. “Not a lot of people in my family have been to college. I wanted to be that changing point for my family. That’s what pushed me to do better.”

After high school she opted to attend Cloud County Community College in Kansas.

“Going the junior college route was probably one of the best things I did,” she said. “Not being too far away from home but being far enough.”

Her play there, in summer leagues and at Central attracted the attention of Division I Cal State Fullerton, whose scholarship offer she accepted. She’s part of a new roster for its new coach.

“I feel very blessed to have this opportunity,” she said.

She feels she’s in the right place at the right time with women’s basketball enjoying the Caitlin Clark effect.

“This is a big change in women’s athletics,” she said. “It’s a dream come true for girls. It makes me so happy this is the era I get to play in women’s basketball.”

Aniya Foster is only entering eighth grade but already has a taste of athletic glory by being part of three EPIC softball league championship teams. Her mother Shanna Brown said Aniya nearly missed out on sharing in all that success.

“When I first brought playing to her attention she actually said no, she didn’t want to do it,” Brown said. “But I encouraged her to try it anyway. She went to that first practice and she loved it and kept going.”

What got her hooked, said Aniya, “was the team, the girls who bonded well together – we had shared interests.”

“I loved having something to do over the summer and not sitting at home,” she added. “It gets me outside and active.”

The increased confidence, her mother said, prompted Aniya to get involved in school plays, serve as pool manager, lead the African American book studies club and participate in a Girls Inc., University of Nebraska Omaha STEM program, Eureka.

“Aniya knows she wants to be around friends who care about their lives. She wants to be a positive example,” she said.

Brown appreciates that EPIC gives girls like her daughter, Aniya, opportunities to see local college and professional teams play at no cost as both a fun night out and horizon expanding experience. She and other parents like that EPIC does social media shout-outs when girls achieve between the lines or in the classroom, celebrating everything from championships to scholarships to sportsmanship.

Kenzie Lewis echoed many of her fellow student-athletes.

“I’m so glad EPIC for Girls is a thing because they do give girls around Omaha some notice and ring some bells to their name.”

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Rec Sports

Real Madrid Foundation Holds Camp at Burbank High

Published

4 hours ago

January 3, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Nearly 100 youngsters hit the rank-soaked Kallem-Kemp Field at Burbank High Friday as they are participating in the Real Madrid Foundation Winter Soccer Camp. The program is run in collaboration with the city of Burbank Parks and Recreation Department.

It runs through Monday.

The most successful professional soccer club in the world, Real Madrid has won 36 Spanish League titles and 15 European titles.

FInding talent around the world is something the club is always looking for. After spending several years conducting the camp at the Glendale Sports Complex, it has moved to Burbank.

“The community in Glendale and Burbank is great,” Camp Supervisor Jaypo Lamounier said, “They support us a lot.”

Lamournier said a number of past campers who have been deemed elite have moved to Spain, where they train within the Real Madrid youth academy and attend school.

Lamournier said the camp is open to players of all skill levels. Most of the coaches in the camp live and work in Spain.

“The kids get to enjoy some different styles than they usually practice,” he said.

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Rec Sports

Case, Somerset Berkley Thanksgiving football rivalry is back

Published

8 hours ago

January 3, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Updated Jan. 2, 2026, 7:24 p.m. ET

It’s time to dust off the annual ’49 football trophy’ that will once again be hoisted in the air on Thanksgiving Day.

The long-standing, 90-year high school holiday rivalry between Joseph Case and Somerset Berkley is officially back on this coming November. The last time the two schools met was in 2022 when the Raiders defeated the Cardinals, 50-14.

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Rec Sports

Soldier Hollow youth ski program focuses on reaching Latino families

Published

11 hours ago

January 3, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Returning this month, the Soldier Hollow Kickers and Gliders program aims to introduce more youth across the Wasatch Back to cross-country skiing, with renewed efforts focused on reaching families in the local Latino population.

The beginner-focused program is designed for children ages 6 to 11 runs from Jan. 6 through Feb. 26, with sessions held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Soldier Hollow’s Sports Discovery Center, located at 2002 South Olympic Drive in Midway.

“Kids will learn the basics of skiing through purposeful play, games and drills. All participants get free hot chocolate to warm back up after each practice,” said Gerrit Garberich, senior sports manager and head comp BIA Coach.

Last winter, Garberich and Luke Bodensteiner, Soldier Hollow’s general manager and chief of sport development for the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, began a discounted registration initiative aimed at increasing participation among Latino families.

That initiative set aside 20 spots for Latino participants at a discounted rate of $25 supported by the Wasatch Community Foundation and the Wasatch Latino Coalition. Additionally the program offers needs-based scholarships to all families.

Program leaders have pointed to longstanding underrepresentation of Latino families in local skiing programs as a key reason for expanding outreach and reducing barriers.

“Last year we had 95 kids participate in our program but only four took advantage of the $25 registration for the Latino community,” said Garberich.

Organizers recognized that challenges such as transportation and communication have limited participation in the past and said they are working to improve outreach and access for Latino families this season.

Transportation was not offered last year due to a lack of available bus drivers — a limitation organizers said may have affected participation. This winter, the program has secured two bus drivers in hopes of increasing access and enrollment.

Free transportation will be available for registered participants, with a program bus picking up children at 3:40 p.m. from the southeast portion of the Wasatch Recreation Center parking lot and returning them to the same location at approximately 5:45 p.m.

The goal is to reduce common barriers, organizers said — which include cost, equipment and transportation — that can prevent families from accessing winter sports.

The program provides all ski equipment, including skis, boots and poles. Families are asked to send children dressed for winter conditions, including windproof or snow pants, base layers, a warm jacket, hat, gloves, neck gaiter, warm socks and a water bottle.

Registration is now open, with separate links available in English and Spanish. Families seeking Spanish-language registration and access to the reduced $25 rate for Latino participants are encouraged to use the Spanish registration link, while general registration is available through the English link.

Rec Sports

16 gyms and other places to stay fit in Montgomery County

Published

11 hours ago

January 3, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Barre3

Embrace strength, cardio and mindfulness all at once with a session at this Bethesda studio. As anyone who’s done barre can attest, those subtle movements inspired by ballet training look deceptively easy but deliver major results. The workouts take you through low-impact isometric moves, bursts of cardio, and breath work that’s meant to center your mind. Everyone, from beginner to expert, is welcome at Barre3, which is known locally for its popular classes, with about a dozen offered per day.

4829 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 240-858-6101, barre3.com

Chevy Chase Athletic Club

This 20,000-square-foot club sprawls across the 18th floor of the Barlow Building in Friendship Heights, offering penthouse views of downtown D.C. as you lift, spin or power walk. Its squash program is the biggest in the area, including private and group classes, clinics, tournaments and more. Various personal training options zero in on youth sports, seniors’ balance and flexibility, and all-around fitness.

5454 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-656-8834, myccac.com

City and County Recreation Centers

Want to work out on the cheap or even for free? Montgomery County has 22 recreation centers with workshops, clinics, drop-in programs, sports, open gym and special events. A fitness center pass is free with proof of county residency and gets you access to gym equipment, open gym and more. Some classes, ranging from golf to pickleball, are available for a fee, and a pass to the county’s four indoor pools and seven outdoor pools costs $400 per year for county residents. There are also city rec centers for a small fee in Gaithersburg and in Rockville, where the Rockville Swim & Fitness Center offers day passes and membership packages for residents and nonresidents.

Montgomery County: montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/facilities/recreationcenters; Gaithersburg: gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation; Rockville: rockvillemd.gov/398/swim-fitness-center

CrossFit Bethesda

If the idea of walking into a huge gym—where you don’t really know how to work the machines or, well, do much of anything—fills you with dread, consider a more personalized workout routine at CrossFit Bethesda. Coaches and classmates quickly get to know your name as you all run through barbell squats and kettlebell swings together. Variety is the name of the game here, so if boredom with the same old, same old is what’s killing your desire to work out, CrossFit might be a good fit—the high-intensity fitness approach combines elements of weightlifting, cardio and even gymnastics.

4848 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 301-381-5855, crossfitbethesda.com

Equinox Bethesda

One of 111 Equinox clubs around the globe, this is a posh place for getting fit, equipped with such luxuries as a saltwater pool and a spa for facials and massages. Group classes, which are unlimited for members, include cycling, barre, Pilates and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Equinox also prides itself on a top-notch personal training program.

4905 Elm St., Bethesda, 301-652-1078, equinox.com

extendYoga

You can do your sun salutations and asanas at this studio, or from the comfort of your home in virtual classes, as teachers lead you through sessions with an emphasis on the vinyasa flow style. Choose from about six classes per day. As part of its mission to make yoga welcoming to all, Extend offers Repped, an “inclusive yoga series” aimed at underserved groups; past months have been devoted to Muslim and Asian American Pacific Islander communities.

12106 Wilkins Ave., North Bethesda, 301-881-3330, extendyoga.com

Hotworx Bethesda

Eight small saunas that can accommodate up to three people each make up this boutique fitness studio, part of a national chain. Classes—taught by instructors via TV screens in the saunas—combine heat, infrared energy and exercise with the goal of maximizing the calories burned in shorter bursts of time. Choose from sessions such as 30-minute hot yoga or hot Pilates, or 15-minute HIIT workouts such as cycling. The studio is open 24/7 to accommodate busy schedules.

4830 Rugby Ave., Bethesda, 301-966-3924, hotworx.net

Life Time

Billed as “Potomac’s first athletic country club,” that Life Time location is all about breaking a sweat in style. Locker rooms decked out in wood and marble, and accented with flowers, feel reminiscent of a high-end hotel bathroom (they also have steam rooms, saunas and a whirlpool). Tend to your whole body, head to toe, at the spa, and recharge at the cafe with a seasonally changing menu. The Gaithersburg location (billed as “Gaithersburg’s only athletic country club”) offers swanky spa services, too, and also boasts two indoor and two outdoor pools. At both Life Time spots, children ages 3 months through 11 years can hang in the Kids Academy while you get your workout in.

1151 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, 240-314-7022; 10121 Washingtonian Blvd., Gaithersburg, 301-569-5100; my.lifetime.life

Onelife Fitness

The basketball courts are a major draw at some of the Onelife gyms; you can play pickup, just shoot around, or join one of the camps, classes, leagues or organized games. (Note: The Pike & Rose, Germantown and Olney locations don’t have courts.) Cutting-edge equipment, a wide range of group fitness classes, and amenities such as pools, whirlpools and saunas at several locations are good reasons to work out here. Overdid it just a bit? Many locations offer red light therapy (which reduces pain and inflammation), HydroMassage (for loosening tight muscles and alleviating pain) or compression therapy (to decrease muscle soreness and inflammation) on-site.

4400 Montgomery Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-9570; 20500 Seneca Meadows Parkway, Germantown, 240-686-4500; 17821 Georgia Ave., Olney, 301-358-6698; 11594 Old Georgetown Road (Pike & Rose), Rockville, 301-245-3908; 1407 Research Blvd., Rockville, 240-599-8383; onelifefitness.com

Orangetheory Fitness

Newbies and seasoned athletes alike are welcome here—Orangetheory workouts are for all fitness levels. This popular chain takes you through instructor-led classes that differ from traditional HIIT classes because of their adaptability—you can raise or lower your intensity based on your fitness level and goals for the day. That’s aided by a system that tracks your body in real time, showing you your heart rate at all times and helping you adjust accordingly. The cardio part of the workout includes treadmills, rowers and other equipment.

7955 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, 301-565-0366; 622 Center Point Way, Gaithersburg, 301-250-1060; 18205 Hillcrest Ave., Olney, 443-221-6700; 1601 Rockville Pike, Suite 210A (Congressional Plaza), Rockville, 240-380-3311; 12435 Park Potomac Ave., Suite R-10, Potomac, 301-265-5050; 8455 Fenton St., Silver Spring, 301-798-7433; orangetheory.com

Pink Moon

Moms are the raison d’être for this wellness center that opened in Bethesda in May 2025. Pilates and total-body toning classes are the main draws, as are yoga sessions—some of which even incorporate your little ones, from babies through preschoolers. Child care is also offered for kids ages 6 months to 6 years from 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on weekdays. If you’re new to working out or easing back into it postpartum, don’t worry—they’re all about inclusivity here.

7610 Old Georgetown Road, Plaza Level, Bethesda, 240-222-1146, pinkmoonmoms.com

Soldierfit

Atten-hut! Boot camp classes are the centerpiece here; the Rockville location reserves half of its 10,000 square feet for those sessions, aimed to strengthen you both physically and mentally. The 50-minute workouts are structured military-style, but the idea is to build camaraderie, too—Soldierfit encourages you to think of its trainers as your “friendly drill sergeants.” There’s also cardio and other workout equipment if you prefer to go it alone.

12241 Nebel St., Rockville, 240-669-8298; 1 E. Diamond Ave., Gaithersburg, 301-407-1800; 12210 Plum Orchard Drive, Suite 206, Silver Spring, 301-751-3163; soldierfit.com

SoulCycle

Cyclists, you may just find your tribe at the Bethesda outpost of this popular chain of spin studios. High-energy music—maybe Taylor Swift, ’90s throwbacks or hip-hop, depending on the class—pumps from the speakers as instructors lead you through the choreography. Hooked? You can buy your own SoulCycle bike for at-home workouts and pedal along with classes you stream live.

4931 Elm St., Bethesda, 301-803-7685, soul-cycle.com

The St. James Performance Club

Grapevine your way to better health in the step aerobics class, challenge yourself to a boot camp-style routine in the pool, or sculpt your body on the gym equipment at this offshoot of The St. James’ mega sports complex in Virginia. Whatever your workout, refuel afterward with a tropical acai bowl or a pineapple-mango smoothie at Vim & Victor, a chef-curated wellness bar.

6828 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 240-507-5366, thestjames.com

Urban Boxing Bethesda

Some days you just want to slam a fist into something. Do that here and get a full-body workout at the same time. The plethora of classes offered in this gritty but well-equipped studio include boxing of course—but also kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiujitsu, mixed martial arts, sparring and yoga. All experience levels are welcome, and some boxing classes are for kids only.

4834 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-2186, urbanboxingbethesda.com

YMCA

Dink and lob at the Y, which has a happening pickleball program—you can play, take classes or sign up for clinics. Spice up your fitness routine with a new class, from belly dancing to Zumba. Or dive into the indoor or outdoor pool (swimming classes are offered for kids, teens and adults). Bonus: Cooking classes with an emphasis on nutrition are offered for kids, adults, seniors and families. Nutrition counseling is also available for members.

YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase, 9401 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-530-3725; YMCA Silver Spring, 9800 Hastings Drive, Silver Spring, 301-585-2120; ymcadc.org

This appeared in the 2025-2026 Insider’s Guide.

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Rec Sports

Letter: Too busy for the outdoors – InForum

Published

12 hours ago

January 3, 2026

Your Sports Nation

A parent said to me recently, “We don’t have time for anything anymore. Every season is another sport, another camp, another commitment.” That comment stuck with me, because it echoes what many parents have shared with me over the years. One parent told me how, in their experience with youth sports, certain activities began taking priority over everything else not because kids loved them more, but because families had already invested so much money that stepping back didn’t feel like an option.

Hockey and dance were early examples. Those weren’t just sports; they were major financial commitments that shaped the entire family’s schedule and budget. Another family we know has a son who eventually signed with the LA Kings. When he received his signing bonus, he bought his dad a new truck. He told him, “You wore your truck out taking me to practices and games all those years.” It was a heartfelt gesture, but it also shows the level of sacrifice families feel obligated to make long before they know whether any of it will pay off.

Even the outdoors, the place many of us turned to for simplicity, isn’t immune from this shift. Several people have told me how fishing, once the most accessible pastime around, has become another high‑cost, high‑pressure pursuit. Multiple locators with forward‑facing sonar, spot‑lock trolling motors, specialized tackle, and the vehicle to tow the boat have turned a “fishing boat” into a serious investment. What used to be a quiet day on the water has become yet another arena where gear and competition creep in. Parents also tell me they feel pressure to keep spending, keep traveling, and keep their kids committed year‑round, sometimes chasing the child’s dream, sometimes chasing their own. That’s not new, and it’s not going away. But it does feed into a culture where families feel they have to keep up, spend more, and sacrifice more.

Meanwhile, the simple things, the things that used to define childhood, are getting squeezed out. Those last crisp days of pheasant season. Walking a woods line for squirrels or rabbits. Wandering a field with a dog and no real agenda. Summer mornings on the lake. These moments have been replaced by “mandatory” camps, weekend tournaments, and off‑season practices that leave no room for anything else. One parent told me, “My own grandsons have so much going on that it’s almost impossible for them to find time to fish with Grampa.” Not because they don’t want to but because their schedules don’t leave room for unstructured time, family traditions, or simply being outdoors for the fun of it.

If we want kids to stay active in sports and still grow up with the outdoor traditions so many of us value, we need to bring back some balance. Let them rest. Let them wander. Let them fish with their grandparents. Let them be kids again.

Gary Korsgaden lives in Pelican Rapids, Minn.

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Rec Sports

Spain World Cup 2026 Preview: Best Players, Roster, History

Published

14 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

From 2008 to 2012, Spain absolutely dominated the international soccer scene— winning two European championships (2008, 2012) and a World Cup title (2010). In 2024, the Spanish took home another Euros title, and are currently the top-ranked team in the official FIFA rankings.

Despite losing to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final, the team is filled with a perfect blend of youth and experience with talent at every position. All eyes will be Lamine Yamal, the 18-year old sensation that took the world by storm last year with his dominant play at the Euros.

How they Qualified:

Spain qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing atop Group E in UEFA qualifying, securing one of Europe’s automatic spots for the expanded 48-team field. They put together a consistent, high-scoring campaign and remained in control of the group throughout, ultimately clinching first place ahead of Turkey and the other contenders.

World Cup Group Stage Schedule:

June 15: Spain vs. Cape Verde — Atlanta Stadium (12 p.m. ET)
June 21: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia — Atlanta Stadium (12 p.m. ET)
June 26: Spain vs. Uruguay — Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico (8 p.m. ET)

Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay | 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw

Group H is set for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

Previous World Cup appearances:

1934, 1950, 1962, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022

What is Spain’s Best Finish in the World Cup?

Who’ll be Spain’s Key Players at the World Cup?

Lamine Yamal is a right-winger for FC Barcelona and one of Spain’s most productive young internationals. He became the youngest player ever to represent Spain and played a major role in their EURO 2024 title, contributing both goals and assists throughout the tournament. His breakout season with Barcelona included consistent La Liga and Champions League production, and he finished runner-up for the Ballon d’Or, the highest placement ever for a teenager.

Pedri is a central midfielder for FC Barcelona and has been a regular for Spain since breaking through in 2021. He won the UEFA Euro 2020 Young Player of the Tournament, was named to the Team of the Tournament, and played in the 2022 World Cup. Known for his passing accuracy, ball retention and ability to control tempo, he remains one of Spain’s most important midfield pieces.

Rodri is Spain’s first-choice holding midfielder and an anchor for Manchester City, where he has won multiple Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and several domestic trophies. He captured the Ballon d’Or, becoming one of the few Spanish players in history to win the award. Rodri was central to Spain’s EURO 2024 triumph and has accumulated more than 50 caps, providing elite defensive coverage, distribution and tactical stability heading into 2026.

Who is Spain’s Manager for the World Cup?

Luis de la Fuente is Spain’s head coach and has been in charge of the senior national team since 2022 after previously managing multiple Spanish youth sides, including the U-19, U-21 and Olympic teams. He guided Spain to the EURO 2024 title, becoming the first Spain manager since Vicente del Bosque to win a major tournament. Known for balancing possession-based play with a more direct attacking approach, de la Fuente has integrated a strong mix of youth and experience into the squad and enters the 2026 World Cup cycle with a stable core and proven results at both youth and senior levels.

Spain’s All-Time Leading Scorer:

David Villa: 59 goals
Played for Sporting Gijón, Real Zarazoga, Valencia, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, New York FC, Melbourne City, Vissel Kobe

Spain’s All-Time Caps Leader:

Sergio Ramos: 180 Caps
Played for Sevilla, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Sevilla, Monterrey

Spain’s Team Nickname:

About the Country:

Population: approximately 47.9 million
Capital: Madrid

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