Sports aren’t always about winning or being the best on the team, but rather about some of the close friendships people make. Many athletes talk about the amazing friendships they make, but the real question is do they keep those connections outside of the season? Madelaine Gates ’28 is a swimmer and plays lacrosse and talked about the relationships off -season, and how she is still kind to her teammates but not as close to some.
“It’s always good to have people who understand what you go through during the season, plus using those sports can branch you out to meet new people,” Gates said.
Having teammates who understand what you go through can make athletes feel more comfortable in their sport, make them want to come to practice, and continue in future years. However, sometimes it’s hard to keep friendships out of season. Elen Czarnick ’27 has been playing basketball, softball and running cross country since her freshman year and touched on the pros and cons of keeping those friendships.
“Having a close connection with your team during the season just makes it more fun to come to practice,” Czarnik said. “However I don’t have as strong of a friendship after the season just because I’m not with them everyday, but I do still keep in contact.”
Proximity is a major component in friendships forming, and with sports teamwork shapes how a team plays and acts. The teamwork can make athletes trust each other and not only win but form a special bond. Stevan Musicki, a South alumni, swam all four years of high school and is even still friends with his old teammates. He spoke on what made him and his team so close even after four years of college.
“Teamwork is a huge part of [making friendships] because through collaboration and working together during the season,” Musicki said. “Even outside of practice is where the bonds are made.”
Some of the closest friends a student athlete can make is through sports. Spending all season together, bonding through the love of the sport and trust through teamwork, can make some of the best and longest friendships.
“It’s important to keep those connections because being on a sports team is a unique bond that not many people get,” Musicki said.
