In the last few minutes before the final volleyball game of the season, Colby Eastwood and Carleigh Strader inspire their team with an encouraging speech that they gave at every game. These words of encouragement pump the team up for their games every time. Preparing is one of the key elements of playing in a game. This allows one to get in the right mindset to perform to the best of their ability. Preparing for a game can range from listening to music to talking to teammates about the upcoming event. Many players have a routine that helps them get into their best headspace, resulting in playing a better game.
Sophomore Kenley Barbour is an active player on Tunstall’s JV volleyball team and varsity softball team. She has been playing volleyball since she was in third grade and hopes to continue playing after high school. Kenley noted that when playing a softball game, it feels much slower than playing a volleyball game. This makes a difference in the sort of mindset she tries to put herself in before the game.
When she is preparing for a game, Barbour says she likes to listen to upbeat music and always tries to stay positive. She also always makes sure she drinks enough water to stay hydrated for the entire game period. During an interview Kenley says, “If I didn’t, it would be like I’m in another world.” Kenley says there is a very noticeable difference in her playing when she isn’t in the right headspace.
Carey Dallas, sophomore captain of the JV cheerleading team, has been cheering for three years and on the JV team for two. Carey says she likes to spend time with her teammates before every game. This year being the captain, she pumps up her team by getting in a huddle and doing a cheer as a group. She also leads her team in prayer before games, praying over the cheerleaders and players to keep everyone safe. This team bonding is very important to Dallas, not doing so would result in her feeling disconnected from her team, and she would not perform as well as she normally would.
Junior April Jordan has been running cross country for three years now. To get ready for a game, she doesn’t like to listen to music. Since they cannot listen to music while they run, she likes to get used to the sounds around her. As a team, they like to do a group prayer and stretch together. By herself, she likes to warm up and constantly move to keep her blood flowing.
In conclusion, preparing a game is a key part of being on a team. Without doing certain traditions, players would not be able to play to the best of their ability.
