The Santaluces Chiefs from Lantana, Fla. are not dwelling on their 2026 season’s first-round playoff exit. Instead, they are using the summer to prepare for a stronger start in the upcoming 2026 fall season.
The team is committed to hitting the ground running, with a focus on sustaining momentum throughout the season. This determination is evident in their intense summer workouts, where players are pushing themselves to new limits.
Overcoming Last Season’s Challenges
Kelsey Geralda Kentucky commitreflects on the team’s slow start last season. “You know, we started the season out slow, and it kind of affected the rest,” Gerald said. “Our record wasn’t the best, and a lot of people were talking down to us.” Despite the setbacks, Gerald is optimistic about the upcoming season. “We’re definitely gonna start off hot this season and let it roll all season,” he added.
The team’s assistant coach, Simon Putmonbelieves this year’s group is a significant step ahead of last year’s 6-4 squad. “Man, listen, I feel like this group has been working extremely hard,” Putmon said. “They all know that we fell short last season, and this season we’re not trying to have the same setback.”
New Additions and Strong Leadership
Last season, the Chiefs captured the district title and advanced to the playoffs, but their first-round exit left them hungry for more. Jayvon Dawsona Miami commitbelieves that new additions and strong leadership will make the difference this fall. “We got new people coming in,” Dawson said. “I know that we’re gonna do great this fall. We got the coaches that are going to develop us to be better. We just gotta be disciplined and have leaders on the team.”
Gerald emphasizes the team’s commitment to outworking the competition. “We usually always do start early,” Gerald said. “We work harder than most teams, so the team that could last longest is always gonna win.”
Building a Culture of Resilience
The Chiefs are not just focusing on physical preparation but also on building a culture of resilience and mental toughness. This approach is crucial for sustaining performance throughout the long season. The team’s dedication to these principles is evident in their daily workouts and team meetings.
As the summer workouts continue, the Santaluces Chiefs are determined to turn their early struggles into a story of comeback and success in the 2026 fall season. With a focus on starting strong and maintaining momentum, the team is poised to make a significant impact on the field.
