Have you been looking for ways to have a more fulfilling school year? Students are positively impacted from joining sports in various ways, such as mentally, physically, and socially.
As the first day of school rolls around, almost everyone is frantically trying to find a place to fit in. Many fall sports have clinics that athletes can do in the summer which allows them to meet new people before the school year starts. Makenna Clark, a freshman at Cathedral who is the field hockey team captain, shares, “I made friends and getting to see them around school and at practice has been nice.” She expresses that joining a sport early on has helped her build connections with her peers.
Doing these clinics can help you feel more comfortable with the school and help you know more people. Mr. Stevens, one of the director of athletics at CCHS, states, “Being a part of a team gives you a sense of belonging, and long lasting friendships.” Take those steps towards making unforgettable memories by joining that sport!
Students start to form relationships with their teammates not only on the field, but in the classroom. Ms. Reid, the director of athletics for girls, reminisced on her experience and shared, “My high school memories are my favorite, and it has nothing to do with playing. It was a fun moment with my teammates, who are still my best friends.”
Not only does being involved in athletics help you meet new people, but it also improves your health. As you train your body to endure certain hours of training, it will help you perform ordinary activities more efficiently. Being consistently active can help you prevent many health problems. As MayoClinic.org states, “Being active boosts the “good” cholesterol and it decreases unhealthy triglycerides…which lowers your risk of heart and blood vessel, called cardiovascular, diseases.”
Along with these benefits, being physically active can help you learn more about yourself and your limits. As you work out, you realize how much your body truly is capable of. The head football coach at CCHS, Coach Doyle, explained, “Every player understands that they can do a lot more than they think they can do.” When being pushed to achieve the best version of yourself, the values you learn through sports help you gain a more positive mindset.
Athletic involvement is not only about the physical benefits, but the experiences it gives you. Ms. Reid explains, “Sports do a lot in terms of teaching time management skills and balance, which you need in the workplace and as an adult; it sets a nice foundation.”
A challenge for you this year should be getting out of your comfort zone and joining a sport. Not only will it teach you about habits that you can apply in high school, but also in life.
