This year alone, WS has won eight Patriot District championships, seven Occoquan Regional championships, and one state title thus far. However, supporting these teams are many behind the scenes players who helped them succeed throughout the season.
Sports team managers are valued members of the athletic department at WS. Most often, team managers are students who volunteer their time for the duration of a team’s season to assist with duties such as equipment management, administrative support, and game/practice assistance.
“Managers play a key organizational and support role and are essential to keeping the team running smoothly. They help the coaches by doing some of the smaller administrative tasks so that the coach can focus on the practice or game,” said WS Director of Student Activities Jenny Sobota.
Although some responsibilities exist across all programs, individual sports require specific duties of their managers.
“I split most of my responsibilities with Ada [girls volleyball co-manager]. At practices we usually shag balls and help with drills. At games, I libero track, Ada does the book, and we both help the scoreboard guy,” said Caroline Goodman, Girls Varsity Volleyball co-manager.
For wrestling, a different variety of behind the scenes work is needed.
“My main responsibilities are running the team Instagram account, cleaning and organizing equipment, scoring home competitions, recording matches, and helping carpool to tournaments,” said Avana Harford, boys Varsity Wrestling manager.
Sometimes, students decide to manage a team to support their peers.
“I decided to manage because I have lots of friends on the team who encouraged me to manage, and it’s been a fun way to get volunteer hours,” said Em Coombs, Varsity Swim team co-manager.
For others, having previous experience in the sport allows them to be the best manager they can be.
“I became a manager because I realized that wrestling wasn’t the sport for me, but I really appreciate it, and I think that it is a great community to be in,” said Harford. “Also, with my Jiujitsu experience, it was easy for me to understand what they needed in a manager.”
In addition to their daily responsibilities, managers also have fun on the job. For the swim team managers, this meant competing on their own relay team during one of the final meets of the regular season.
“We went to practice the day before and the swim team is so welcoming and everyone is so nice. The actual relay was so fun since I swim in the summer and the swim team was so hype for our relay,” said junior swim team co-manager Maddie Fawsett. “Overall I love the team atmosphere, and it was so much fun.”
Team managers often maintain close relationships with the players and coaches, further making them a valued part of the program.
“I love all [the players and coaches],” said Goodman. “I am still close friends with most of the team and love cheering them on from the scores table or bench.”
Harford believes that a positive team atmosphere can make the managing experience even better.
“The team all has a very close relationship, and since I’ve known them all for 4 years, I think of them like family. They treat me with respect, and we all care about each other deeply. The wrestling team is one big friend group where they push each other to get better every day,” said Harford. “As for the coaches, I believe that we have one of the best coaching staffs out there. All of them treat me with respect and they are always willing to help in stressful moments.”
According to Sobota, the lessons learned from team management can be applied in future contexts.
“Being a team manager is a great leadership opportunity and can be valuable experience if someone is interested in coaching, sports management, athletic training, or leadership roles in the future,” said Sobota.
