Interview with Brett Leonard
SSL has the great fortune of working with wonderful people from all walks of life. Brett Leonard is a junior at the University of Vermont pursuing a degree in Community Entrepreneurship. Brett is also a member of Vermont’s hockey team.
When you graduate from the University of Vermont you’ll be graduating with a degree in Community Entrepreneurship. What types of careers can you pursue with your degree?
This degree prepares you to run your own business. I have a couple of things I’d like to pursue. I might do is help my dad. He started and runs hockey clinics in Vermont. He’s been doing it for years and I’d like to help him out. I’ve also thought about starting up my own gym. I have a lot of options, but those are a couple of things I can do with my degree.
In addition to earning your degree you also play for Vermont’s hockey team. What’s it like to play college hockey?
It’s great to play for Vermont. We made it to the Frozen Four this year before we got knocked out. Sometimes I think college hockey is more fun than pro. It’s a great game!
How did you end up playing for Vermont?
I’m from Vermont. It’s always been a dream to play for Vermont.
Brett, how did you hear about SSL?
My older brother told me about it. He told me about the site as an alternative to what I had been doing. I went to the site, bought the Ball Work video and started doing it at home. Then I entered the contest [the Next Level Contest]. I won the contest and then came out here. I’ve traveled before for hockey, but this is my first trip out here. It’s nice, the weather is amazing!
What was it like to do the Ball Work and what had you been doing to train prior to this trip?
It was tough, but I really liked it. It didn’t feel like other workouts. I’ve always lifted. I’ve lifted since I was a kid.
Why were you looking to change your routine?
Like I said, I have lifted for a long time. I can squat as much as anyone on my team, but I’m not playing as much as I want. You’re always looking for something that can give you an edge, something to make you better.
You had some experience with the SSL because you had been doing the Ball Work, but what was it like working with Gavin for the first time?
It was tough; he gave me a great workout! I kept falling of the [balance discs]. The isokinetic machine was tough! After that first day I thought I’d be lucky to get good enough to do all the exercises.
You’ve been here for three weeks. How have things progressed?
I’m much better at the discs. I can do some of the disc exercises without the poles. I’m getting the hang of it and getting better every day. I feel energized the next day. I feel sore, but it’s a different type of sore, I can still do other things. When I lift back home, sometimes I feel sore for a week.
How much longer are you going to train here, and what’s the plan for when you go back?
I’ll be here a few more weeks and then I’ll head back home. I’m going to continue to do the ball work out. I’ll also use what I’ve learned here and try to incorporate into my workouts at home. I’m hoping this will help me improve enough so I can get some more ice time.
Good luck Brett, and we look forward to seeing you in the Frozen Four again next year.
Click here to read another article with another SSL athlete.
