At South, students can choose from dozens of extracurricular activities, but for many, sports are the centerpiece of their high school experience. While some fall sports like football, field hockey, and cross country are no-cut, the majority of South’s athletics involve tryouts. This often leaves students facing the difficult reality of cuts or starting on a lower-level team, Dan Carpenter, Freshman B Girls’ Volleyball Coach, said.
Being placed on a lower-level team is not just for underclassmen. Junior Molly Milito, Flag Football player began her season on junior varsity two (JV2), an unexpected placement as an upperclassman. The placement was hard to process, Militio said.
“In the moment, it was a surprise, especially being a junior,” Milito said. “I had to take a moment to give myself some grace because I can be really hard on myself sometimes.”
However, Milito didn’t let that ruin her season- she used it as motivation. As her skills developed, she moved up to junior varsity (JV). Having a positive mentality going into every game and practice paid off, Milito said.
“I want to go on the field knowing that I am making a difference on the team,” Milito explained.
Going from the B-Team to JV or varsity can be a challenge, sophomore Jacob Lundgren, former Freshman B Boys’ Soccer player, said. However, it can also help players develop a great growth mindset, Lundgren explained.
“Every day I work towards my goal because I work hard and I am a team player,” Lundgren said. “Being on the B-Team helped me grow both physically and mentally.”
Lundgren’s persistence paid off, earning him a spot on the JV team the following year. Giving his best effort on the Freshman B-Team benefitted his climb up the ranks, Lundgren said.
“Don’t [have] doubt and work hard in practices because other coaches are watching, it can only help in the long run,” Lundgren said.
For many freshmen, starting on the B-Team is the first step into high school athletics, giving them a chance to build skills, and confidence for the next four years, Carpenter said.
Carpenter emphasized that just earning a spot on a roster, whether that’s the B-Team, JV2, JV, or varsity, is an accomplishment, especially in such a competitive athletic environment. Many people do not have the chance to be a part of the team, let alone be on the B-Team, Carpenter said.
“[It] doesn’t matter what team you’re on, you’re playing volleyball, and that’s the most important part,” Carpenter said.
