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Words of Wisdom
Senior and junior athletes have gained experience through the years, from heartbreaking losses to gratifying wins. By overcoming challenges, they have learned many valuable lessons.
“I really look up to the upperclassmen and tend to follow their lead,” said sophomore Kendall Poglitsch. e Evergreen spoke with junior and senior athletes about lessons they would like to share with younger and future teammates.
Do you have any general advice for younger teammates?
You have a lot to learn from your older teammates.”
At some point, you have to start taking responsibility. You got to be the one to step up because you have a lot of people looking up to you as the years go on.”
Making friends and nding my place in Upper School was found through sports for me.”
What are the most important qualities a teammate should have?
It’s very important to be working for your teammates. at de nitely makes you a better individual on the team.”
Don’t focus on trying to shine over other people or force yourself into the starting lineup. Showing perseverance and hard work will get you further.”
You always got to be the teammate that’s there for others.”
Being there for your teammates.”
A teammate needs to be approachable, driven and communicate well.”
How do athletes get into the right mindset for competitions?
You need to have the mindset that you’re going to be pushing yourself as hard as possible.”
If you can trust your teammates in their ability to try their best for you, then you should try your best for them.”
How can younger students make meaningful connections with their teammates?
You can’t be scared of [the older kids]. Build chemistry. Don’t be afraid to talk or practice with older teammates.”
Communicating, talking, and involving yourself will make you a lot more connected to your teammates.”
Any advice you’d give people who fear connecting with older teammates?
You only overcome by doing. ere’s no such thing as getting into a mindset to overcome. When you want to overcome something, you just overcome it. If you push yourself hard enough to do it, it’ll work out for you.”
Ali Mehdi
