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Alayna Soukup, freshman. Soukup says she found her varsity experince all worthwhile.

Years of private lessons, club teams, and countless hours of effort; all just to excel in the sport they love.

Making varsity as a freshman is not only an honor for these players but it also opens up doors of possibilities. Through their hard work, these varsity freshmen are able to show their athletic agility to the whole school.

Taking on the role of being a varsity level player is no breeze, however. Alayna Soukup, freshman varsity basketball player, describes her experience as “stressful, but it was rewarding in the end.”

To Soukup, she found her first year on varsity to be an opportunity to gain knowledge from experienced players. In other words, Soukup said she was able to build relationships with these older teammates “who helped me[Soukup] in different ways and helped me be a better person.”

Danny Burns, freshman varsity cross country runner, has also been able to create relationships with his own teammates. Burns said “everyone accepts you and makes you feel like a part of the team.”

Playing on a varsity level team not only brings you closer with your teammates but also impacts your skills in that sport. After playing on a varsity team his first year, Burns said “I’ve definitely changed my work ethic.”

Naomi Creasy, freshman member of varsity poms, said “it’s nice because there’s a lot of older people on the team so they can help you learn.” Creasy said “[My teammates] teach you a lot of tips on how to get better and they know from their own experience.”

Between meeting new teammates and acquiring new skills, these freshmen also have to tackle the responsibility of their practice schedule.

According to Kaden Gammelgaard, freshman varsity lacrosse player, his practices like most other varsity level sports remain professional. “Each player takes it seriously and it’s a lot more serious than I thought,” Gammelgaard said.

Along with keeping track of their schedule, a common feeling many student athletes face is the feeling of pressure. Being a freshman on a varsity level can lead to all kinds of stress and tension.

Sophia Arias, freshman varsity volleyball player, said that with the age gap between her and some of her teammates “there was definitely pressure, because you look up to the seniors and you want them to know that you’re serious about it[the sport].”

However, Arias found that the pressure was put at ease and that throughout her season the upperclassmen helped her excel in different skills. “The environment that I was in was very helpful and the girls were really nice to me,” Arias said.

Participating on a varsity level team, though it can be stressful at times, can also be rewarding according to some freshman. At the same time, there are also responsibilities that come with being a varsity player.

“You’re representing the school, you’re representing your parents and your whole entire team,” Arias said, “It’s not just you.”