Athletes get injured regularly, sometimes those injuries cause them to be out of playing for long periods of time. This is no different for the student-athletes of Benilde-St. Margaret’s. While they can’t physically play, they get a perspective of the game and can contribute to the team even while on the bench.

Sophomore Lauren Carlson is on the Dance Team and was out with a fractured ankle. She watched the practices and competitions but wasn’t allowed out on the floor, which was hard sometimes but helpful as well. “Watching from the bench, I mean it sucks but it’s a new perspective and you get to see the dance from a new angle and you get to learn so much because you’re seeing how everyone else dances and you can learn from what they do well,” Carlson said.

Senior Lauren Benedict was injured for part of the swim season but was still active in helping the team. “You can still be a leader and be there for the team and do as much with the team as you can. Still go to practices or the games or sporting events. I usually helped out the coaches do stuff around the pool,” Benedict said.

While out with an injury, athletes find different ways to support the team.“You can be there for them mentally and emotionally by cheering them on and supporting them and if you can. Physically you can be there helping pick up and helping to put things up and take it down,” Senior Jillian Petty said.

For Carlson, she could help during practice by watching the dances and giving critiques. “I think I can contribute feedback by telling them things the coaches don’t see and giving them good feedback too. [Also] building them up and building their confidence,” Carlson said.

Having an injury can affect athletes both in a positive and a negative way. “It can be very sad that you can’t be out there and you can’t be doing what you want to do but also a positive [because] it makes you want to work harder to get back out there,” Benedict said.

Athletes find it hard to watch their teammates play the sport they love. They want to go back out and play the game, so watching their teammates is a struggle. “Watching them play and not being able to play [is hard because] I really do love playing the game,” Petty said.

It is especially hard for seniors with it being their last year. Being out with an injury is not ideal. “I struggled the most just not being able to do what everyone else is doing and it was my last season. So it’s kind of hard to just sit back and watch everybody succeed while you’re kind of stuck behind,” Benedict said