By Hayden Swope
As the season nears, Ellsworth’s Reagan Hansen is driven by a familiar goal — qualifying for the state meet — while embracing the camaraderie of a tight-knit team.
“I am most excited for the opportunity to make it to state,” Hansen said. “I have been trying to make it and have gotten closer and closer every year. We also have a great team, combined of runners, throwers and jumpers and it is so special to be able to cheer each other on and see everyone grow as an athlete!”
Hansen has put in extensive offseason work, balancing multiple sports while continuing to refine her technique in the throwing events. Her commitment includes time spent with a longtime coach and competing in summer meets.
“I have been working constantly to become better at throwing,” Hansen said. “This year was a little different as I have been training to sign for volleyball, but I do spend a lot of time with my outside throwing coach Caleb Svaty who has been my coach for four years now. He has helped me so much. In the summers I attend AAU track meets which has helped me better myself and open my mind up to more techniques! The main workouts are shoulder/hip flexibility and lifting. Making sure you have strong shoulders and hips is huge with throwing.”
A key focus for Hansen has been improving her form, particularly maintaining proper separation throughout her throws.
“One area I have focused on is separation in my throws,” Hansen said. “I have worked to make sure that my shoulders do not get out in front of me during my throws. Some ways to do that is doing my form without a discus and just working form non-stop until I get it right and then slowly add in movement and implements.”
Coming off a strong season, Hansen believes her added strength and continued development will lead to even better results this spring.
“I have definitely gotten a lot stronger than last year so I should be seeing these numbers climbing,” Hansen said. “I signed to go to Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to continue my volleyball career and pursue my nursing degree.”
