Cedric Lemaire ’25 also contributed to this article.
Northwood School owns a small property on Mirror Lake, a space the community uses to its advantage. One unique tradition for the soccer team is the lake ice bath, where players immerse themselves in the icy waters to boost recovery and mental resilience.
Last year, players like William Bujold ‘24, Leon Brody ‘24, and Coach Martinez began the tradition of regularly plunging into the ice-cold lake, challenging both the body and mind. As winter approaches, the water temperatures continue to drop, making each session a true test of endurance.
After a challenging loss to Kiski School in the Prep Premier League this season, the U19 team renewed its ice-bathing tradition as a ritual and served as a punishment. At 7 am on a 33 F° Monday, 26 guys sacrificed their time, comfort, and sleep for the team’s greater good. Despite the icy water and nipping air, everyone persevered and managed to dunk as a team.
This practice, backed by recent studies, provides benefits beyond physical recovery. According to researcher Maya Shetty (“Jumping into the Ice Bath Trend! Mental Health Benefits of Cold-Water Immersion”), Cold water immersion (CWI) stimulates the body’s hormonal stress response, explicitly impacting cortisol, a primary stress hormone. Unlike other stress responses, cortisol levels decrease after immersion, helping regulate stress and promote resilience. The intense initial shock of freezing water also triggers noradrenaline, a chemical messenger that helps transmit nerve signals across nerve endings to another nerve cell.
Regular participation in CWI is essential as it helps the body adapt to stress more effectively, builds resilience, and reduces overall stress reactivity, making it a valuable practice for physical and psychological resilience. Most importantly, embracing this challenge fosters harmony and enhances team chemistry, bringing everyone closer to the shared experience of overcoming discomfort.
Accordingly, the team has seen positive effects after cold plunges. “For the rest of my day, I was filled with higher energy levels and a pep in my step,” Cedric Lemaire ‘25 said.
“The morning cold plunges not only help with recovery, but it starts your day off right and energizes you for what’s to come,” Trey Frantz ’25 said. “They also force you to do something out of your comfort zone, which builds character,” Frantz added.
The U17 team, inspired by the other team, organized their own team plunge. In addition, some players have made a pact to do a cold plunge every Monday morning until Thanksgiving break. Braving the elements and resisting the urge to sleep in will be a true test of character, but what the water teaches you is that it is all worth it in the end.
“I love the way it makes my body feel after for the rest of the day and hope to do more with more people,” Hamish Ridell ’26 said.
As the Northwood team makes this commitment, the cold plunge becomes more than just a physical challenge; it’s a symbol of their shared dedication to growth and improvement. They have learned that the willingness to push through discomfort can shape their game and character.
As the team looks ahead to the playoffs in November, eager to face rival schools, the cold-ice bath tradition will display a renewed squad that is focused, resilient, and ready to face any challenge confidently.
For more on the science behind these benefits, you can read further STANFORD CENTER ON LONGEVITY.