With the forecast calling for the first cold temperatures of the season, winter weather is finally here after an unusually warm fall. With the recent arctic blast bringing the coldest temperatures in more than a year, athletes have to bear the cold during practices.

“The cold weather makes it harder for me to breathe,” senior soccer player Ashlyn Craig said. “It hurts really bad when you get hit.”

Although some players are having a hard time adjusting to the cold, coaches view it as a chance to prepare for games ahead of time.

“I’m a firm believer in practicing in the type of weather that you play in,” soccer coach Fred Kaiser said. “The district has policies that we have to follow regarding weather, so you will need to modify your practices at times.”

Regardless, athletes manage because of the coincidence with the sports and winter climate.

“Most of us honestly don’t prefer the cold, but that’s just when soccer season is in,” Craig said. “We deal with it.”

Frisco ISD’s hot and cold weather athletic policy can be found here.