The 2025 Summer Training Playbook

From 3rd Grade to College Camps — Here’s How to Train with Purpose

📰 COLLEGIATE ELITES WEEKLY

Issue 001 — Jun 28, 2025

How to train smart, stay healthy, and get results — from 3rd grade to college hopefuls

🏁 INTRO

Summer is where separation happens.

This is when the gap widens.
The athletes who commit now? They don’t just catch up — they pull ahead.

Whether you’re just getting started, chasing a varsity spot, or prepping for a college camp, summer isn’t a break. It’s an opportunity.

But smart training looks different at every stage. So we broke it down by grade level — with specific goals, tips, and advice to help you (or your athlete) maximize the next 10 weeks.

🏃 YOUNG ATHLETES IN MOTION

Grades: 3rd–6th

Focus: Fundamentals, Fun, and Movement Quality

At this stage, it’s all about building the engine — not flooring the gas pedal. Kids don’t need hyper-structured training. They need to fall in love with movement.

Summer Goals:

  • Learn how to run, jump, and land properly

  • Develop core strength through play-based movement

  • Get reps in a variety of sports or movement patterns

💡 Tip for Parents: Avoid early specialization. The best athletes later on are often the most well-rounded movers early on.

What to Look For in a Program:

Bodyweight-based strength work

Agility and balance drills that feel like games

Coaches who teach, encourage, and connect

🏋️ ATHLETES IN TRAINING

Grades: 7th–10th

Focus: Performance, Consistency, and Growth

Middle and early high school athletes are building their athletic identity. Summer is the perfect time to stack habits, refine technique, and lay a real foundation.

Summer Goals:

  • Increase speed, strength, and mobility

  • Train 3–5x per week with a structured progression

  • Dial in sleep, hydration, and recovery habits

🧠 This is where “Quiet Reps” live — the off-camera, early-morning, no-audience work that becomes your edge.

Weekly Training Split (Example):

  • M: Sprint Mechanics + Lower Body Strength

  • T: Mobility + Upper Body Power

  • W: Recovery / Skill Day

  • TH: Acceleration + Full Body Strength

  • F: Contrast Training (jumps + lifts)

Big Mistake to Avoid:

Burnout. Not every session needs to be maximal. Trust the process. Load, recover, repeat.

🎓 FUTURE ELITES

Grades: 11th–12th & Recent Grads

Focus: Specificity, Exposure, and Execution

If you’re in the college prep stage, summer is your proving ground. College coaches are watching camps, film, and how you carry yourself when it matters most.

Summer Goals:

  • Show up physically ready for camps & showcases

  • Film clean, high-quality highlight tape

  • Build a list of target schools + begin outreach

  • Get mentorship from someone who’s played at that level

🧠 Success here is a blend of performance + presentation. You need to run fast, compete hard, and follow up professionally.

Checklist Before College Camp:

Film sprint drills + position-specific reps

🧼 Clean gear, fitted attire

📄 GPA, test scores, and contact info ready

📬 Reach out to the coach early

Want a real edge?

Train with someone who’s been through the recruiting process and can help you prep like a college athlete before you arrive on campus.

🎯 FINAL THOUGHT

Summer isn’t a season off. It’s the season that makes the difference.

Whether your athlete is just getting started or pushing for the next level, the work done now sets the tone for the entire year.

If you’re serious about development — not just hype — we’re here to guide the journey.

📣 COACHES CORNER

 There were two summers when training clicked for me — heading into my junior year of high school, and again in college. Both times, I made the decision to go all-in. I reflected on the season, got honest about where I wanted to go, and committed to doing what it takes to be elite. That mindset changed everything. I walked into those seasons more prepared, more confident, and ready to perform. You can too.”

From Derrick Daigre Jr., Founder — Collegiate Elites

🗳 THE HUDDLE (Quick Poll)

How Are You Training This Summer?

What’s your mindset going into summer training?

Summer training looks different for every athlete — from early beginners to those chasing a scholarship. Let us know where you (or your athlete) are in the journey so we can deliver the right tools, tips, and coaching to help you level up this season.

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TAKE ACTION

In Seattle? 📍 

Come train with us in person at the Collegiate Elites weight room.
Get hands-on coaching, structured training, and the same environment our college athletes trust to stay sharp. 👉

Not in Seattle?

No problem. We’ll match you with a coach who’s been there, done that, and knows how to get you ready. 🌐

Train Like a College Athlete — Before You’re One
Get matched with a coach who’s been there, done that, and knows how to get you ready. 👉