They are an outnumbered group. They are the athletes above and beyond their years. They are the freshmen.
Each season, varsity sports teams add new players, some of whom are highly skilled freshmen.
These students have usually been playing their sport for a number of years, devoting much of their lives and free time to practice.
Daniel Levetown, a freshman who is a starting center midfielder on the boys varsity soccer team, has been playing the sport for his entire life.
“Just playing isn’t the only thing that inspires my interest in soccer,” he said. “Support from my family has also contributed in making me the player I am today.”
Younger students who are placed on varsity teams occasionally come across obstacles. Some of these talented athletes face players who are several years older, and who may have more technique and skill.
These older players may also be larger, and have a physical advantage over younger students.
“It’s sometimes challenging to play with girls who could be three years older than you,” said freshman varsity soccer player Ricki Libby. “The level of aggression in [varsity] games is usually much higher than most teams at my age.”
“Although it’s tough, playing on a varsity team is a great experience,” added Levetown. “Playing with mainly upperclassmen makes players more aggressive and increases players’ knowledge of the game.”
A common misbelief among some people is that upperclassmen are intimidating and mean to younger players.
As it turns out, many underclassmen find that the upperclassmen are very encouraging and helpful.
“I was nervous at first, but during practice the older girls gave me advice when I made mistakes,” said freshman varsity lacrosse player Nicole Lee.
“They were so patient from the beginning with the other freshmen and that encouraged me to try even harder. Their support made me feel like I was part of the team,” said Lee.
Freshman Maggie Natal agrees. While playing on the girls’ varsity softball team, she found that the upperclassmen on her team were very welcoming.
“I’ve been playing softball since I was about four,” said Natal. “Making the team seemed like a lot of pressure at first, but the other players were all really nice.”
When it comes game time, the line between freshmen players and veteran players is blurred. “I don’t see the older players as ‘upperclassmen anymore,” said Libby. “I see them as friends and teammates.”