Sometimes students and teachers mesh right away, and sometimes it takes a little longer. Other times it takes both the student and teacher a while to be comfortable around each other.

On the first day of school, everyone looks around the room trying to decide if they like the class they’re in or not. When the teacher goes to the front of the room and starts talking, they see about 30 sets of eyes staring back at them. That can be awkward.

For a few student-athletes at WS, coming into a new class isn’t as big a change. Many coaches are also teachers at WS, so it’s likely that they will end up teaching their players at some point.

Junior field hockey player Kelley McNamara says that seeing a familiar face on the first day is always a good thing, whether it is classmates or teachers. McNamara is in a computer science class taught by Tina Nham, who is also a coach for the WS field hockey team.

“Computer Science seemed like an interesting class, and when I found out a field hockey coach taught it, it made me excited. It’s fun because I see her in different situations,” said McNamara.

Senior Matt Ahola had basketball coach Jason Eldredge as a Spanish teacher in addition to being on the team. For him there wasn’t a huge difference between Eldredge on the basketball court and Eldredge in the classroom.

“He treats us all the same but he’d call you out for [something] in a game the night before,” Ahola said.

In some cases students may feel nervous about asking for help because they are not familiar with their teacher.

Athletes that already know their teacher tend to be more willing to raise their hand at the beginning of the school year.

“Most students don’t ask questions unless they have that trust,” said Nham.

Junior Jessy Settles runs track and had track coach Emily Benton as a math teacher last year. Since she ran track as a freshman as well, she came into the class already knowing something about her teacher.

“I love Mrs. Benton,” said Settles. “She’ll make track references and she looks at you and you’re the only one who knows what she’s talking about.”

Students and teachers agree that already knowing each other can help get rid of that awkwardness that comes with going into new territory. At least for them.

“Well, [Benton] did give me my spandex during class one time…that might have been awkward for everyone else,” said Settles.