Experienced athletes provide counsel for beginners
Joining a new sport in high school is something you have to learn and work at. It can be very intimidating and scary, but there are many ways that you can improve your skills, learn better ways to overcome challenges, and use your time more efficiently.
There are a couple of factors that can help improve your chances of getting on the team. Senior Jordyn Harriston, a track and field sprinter and hurdler, says, “The best thing younger athletes can do is be confident and give their best effort.” Her experience from doing track for four years has taught her that your hard work and assurance is a great trait to have in order to improve your skills playing as an athlete. Similar guidance from Kene Ugoji, a senior linebacker and D-line on the OM football team, is “Stride beyond your limits.”
In order to become a better athlete, you must train and work to improve certain skills. Senior Tanvi Rajagopal, a four-year field hockey goalie and an eight-year lacrosse athlete, advises young athletes to focus on more specialized training to improve skills that you need to work on for your sport and the position you play. When exercising, you want to make sure that you are always putting in your best effort, because that’s what helps you improve. “Always run your hardest for easy workouts,” said Taalib Walker, a cross-country and track runner.
Being a student athlete means learning how to balance academic work and the time for your sport. For example, senior Tanvi Rajagopal uses a planner and calendar to stay on top of her work and her time as a field hockey and lacrosse goalie. Another strategy to stay on top of your work during the season is to download an app to keep you on track. Kene Ugoji specifically uses the apps Notion, Canvas, or the Reminder app. Being an athlete during the school year also cuts out a lot of your time, so there are also many things that you might have to sacrifice due to the fact that you are an athlete.
It is very hard to have a good mental health mindset if you’re an athlete because there is a lot of pressure and hard work you must put in. Some key points in working under pressure are to maintain composure and rely on your personal strengths. “I stay calm and trust in my abilities and teammates when playing under pressure, said senior Jordyn Harriston. Senior Kene Ugoji has been playing football since sophomore year, and he suggests that you replay the good memories of the sport that you participate in and “Think of the privileges that you have that others don’t have.”
High school sports are a very fun and exciting way to make your high school experience better because you make many friends and unforgettable memories. Sometimes it might be challenging, but with the help of experienced seniors, it can be an easier transition to a worthwhile experience.
