Being a captain of a sports team is a very big assignment. It is important to make sure teammates are focused and motivated on the field, courts, and even outside the sport. Although each sport captain is different, they all share the same goal of success: helping their fellow teammates.
Junior Kristen Cumings plays on the varsity tennis team as number one doubles, with her partner Raeghan Waldron. Cumings started playing tennis with her family from a very young age, but did not take it seriously until eighth grade.
“Being captain means I get the opportunity to lead the team with kindness and helpfulness. I love to serve the people I love, and this team is very important to me,” said Cumings.
A captain is someone teammates can rely on. This can cause a lot of tension and pressure, especially when trying to keep up with grades, so having a coach who allows athletes to finish or make up schoolwork is exceptional.
“Burkhart prioritizes our grades and allows us to work on our work, but I also prioritize doing my work on our bus rides or immediately when I get home after practice,” said Cumings.
This commitment does not go unnoticed. Evangeline Bamm, a fellow varsity tennis player, says that Cummings is very dedicated to tennis.
“Kristen takes extra hours to help out with middle school tennis and for her own game. She puts hard work into everything she does,” said Bamm.
Senior Grace McCall plays on the varsity soccer team. McCall started playing soccer at the age of seven. When asked what being a captain meant, McCall shared her beliefs.
“Being a leader and in charge to help others,” said McCall
Medium.com says, “Managing school while playing a sport is not easy, but is possible.” Many students at Northwest High School balance class work and practice while also enrolling in college classes.
“I have dual enrollment, so I get [work] done on my off hours,” said McCall.
It can be hard as a student athlete, and having someone to look up to, like a captain, is substantial.
“[I] Tell them to take a deep breath and tell them that it’s okay. Serving as a team captain is a significant job and a major task,” said McCall.
Sophomore Shannon Christner plays on the varsity softball team. Christner started playing at four years old.
“Being team captain for me is just taking control of the team. Not letting any drama go through and keeping attitudes positive is more important for a team than winning, so I know if I can help all the girls to have fun, it’ll be worth it more in the future,” said Christner.
Being a captain can also help to prepare for a future job as a coach. It can help you learn leadership and communication skills. Helping others with less experience will make them more likely to join the sport again next season.
“I like being captain because I want to be a coach someday, and I know this is good practice for my future. I also just love taking on leadership roles because that’s just what I’ve done my whole life,” said Christner.
Leadership in sports requires patience, confidence, and teamwork. These girls showed that being a captain means helping teammates, staying positive, and setting a good example. Their experiences showed how captains are such an important factor to a team.
