Sports is a fun activity outside of school to take your mind off stressful things like standardized tests and AP classes. However, it’s not just about the fun of the game, it’s about the friends you make along the way. Whether doing conditioning together in the rain or celebrating a state championship, having friends in the sports you play is like no other experience.
Sean DeGrand ’24 is a multisport athlete who plays track and field and football. Degrand said that even though leaving for college will be saddening with all the memories he made at South, he knows he can stay in contact with friends through social media and other forms of communication.
“College will make it harder to keep up with those friendships, but there are many relationships I fully intend to keep alive,” Degrand said. “I’m so glad I have the kind of friends that I know will continue to push me to be my best throughout life.”
It’s not just the players that form these types of friendships throughout the season. Coaches also form bonds with players that carry on later into life. Freshman and JV football coach Luke Davey says that, even though he’s a coach, he looks forward every day to talking to each individual on the team.
“It doesn’t matter how good each player is on the field, or whether they start or not,” Davey said. “It’s about making sure that everyone is having fun, whether that’s talking about sports, or just life, in general, I think it’s very important as a coach to talk to each player.”
Having a friend on your sports team does not just motivate you physically but mentally as well. Michael Reynolds ’26 plays track and field in the spring and cross country in the fall.
“Forming friendships during sports is so much easier than having it happen on its own. Having that shared goal brings people together immediately,” Reynolds said. “Also, getting tired alongside people forms comfortable bonds quickly. People tend to drop their usual barriers and pretenses when they’re exhausted.”
