Student-athletes reflect on the power of team sports

The purpose of playing team sports is not simply to outscore the opponent. Rather, the development of a strong team gives rise to individual and collective growth that is far more profound than a win-loss record.

In his book, “Winning Every Day”, former college football coach Lou Holtz compiles a “game plan for success” through the development of effective teams.

To maximize the power of the team, Holtz advocates that groups should acknowledge the power of attitude, tackle adversity, have a sense of purpose, make sacrifices for one’s allies, adapt to survive, chase dreams, nurture self-images, foster trust, commit to excellence, and respect one another.

Holtz’s sage advice summarizes the many lessons that LRHS athletes have learned in their experiences with team sports.

Consistent with Holtz’s ideas, Emily Rosen reflected, “Playing a team sport has taught me how to be unselfish and have a good attitude. Actions are often contagious; the better you are, the better the team can potentially be.”

“You win together and lose together,” she added.

Similarly, explained Camden Smith, “A major lesson that I learned from team sports is that communication and trust is key. If you don’t communicate properly, someone may not adjust properly and if you don’t trust your teammates, the team will get nowhere.”

He continued, “You can’t win games by yourself.”

As he prepares to contribute to the football program at Montana Tech, Tucker Guiles noted, “I think that team sports teach discipline very well.”

Concepts like sacrifice, trust, communication and discipline belong on a long list of benefits, which for many is topped by the development of interpersonal skills.

“I’ve learned that everyone has different personalities and that each personality handles every situation different,” said Lacey Miller, adding, “It’s taught me to be a leader, as well as respect others opinions.”

Hailey Ayers is part of a group of athletes from Kahlotus and Washtucna to sport a Bronco jersey in this year’s athletic co-op.

Of her experience, Ayers said, “Being on the team, I have learned how to interact with and deal with different personalities and the different reactions each person will have to certain events.”

These lessons are directly applicable to life outside of athletics.

Rosen applies her lessons, “Playing on a team makes you communicate and collaborate with people, and without communication, there can be confusion and tension.”

She points out, “In a job, if that happens, your task assigned with coworkers may not get done.”

“The lessons are very applicable to the real world since you are going to have to get through stressful situations like a goal line stop in real life, as well as in football,” said Guiles. “Say you have a deadline due in a few days, you need to be able to meet it and keep pushing, no matter how hard it’s going to be.”

However, athletes do not join a team because they want to prepare for business meetings or office jobs. Rather, the vast majority of athletes attribute their love of game to their bonds shared with their teammates.

Miller reflected, “My favorite part is building relationships with the girls, as well as the family atmosphere.”

“My favorite part of being on a team is the sense of brotherhood you get, and camaraderie with your friends,” said Guiles.

Every student-athlete interviewed reported the nearly identical answers as their favorite aspect of team sports: “My favorite part of being on a team is that we are all a family,” Rosen echoed. “We spend so much time together that we have so many great memories.”

High school sports provide more than an opportunity to compete; they provide a platform for teams to learn valuable life lessons and, ultimately, consolidate their efforts to thrive.