BSM is lucky to have so many talented individuals, especially when it comes to athletics. A great accomplishment for many students is making varsity as a freshman, which requires lots of dedication and hard work. BSM has many devoted students, including freshmen, who push themselves to participate in varsity-level athletics.
BSM offers a wide variety of athletic programs hoping to make sure that every student can find something that interests them. Most sports require tryouts which are a stressful and dreaded week for many, but they are also an opportunity for students to show off their skills. The preparation and training that students do to prepare for tryouts takes time and devotion. BSM girls soccer, section AA champions, has 3 freshman girls on their team. Freshman Aida Parker made her transition from JV last year to a current varsity player this year. “I just trained on my own and I got help from my dad and other clubs to help me get better,” Parker said.
Being a part of a varsity team as a freshman means practicing and playing with older girls. Upperclassmen can help out younger students with a wide range of things, which often has a positive effect on younger players being surrounded by older role models. Most freshmen enjoy getting to hang out with upperclassmen, as BSM’s upperclassmen are generally inclusive and kind towards younger students. “I love [playing with older girls]. It’s so much fun. Everyone is so inclusive and nice to each other and it’s just great,” freshman soccer player Abby Silverman said.
I love [playing with older girls]. It’s so much fun. Everyone is so inclusive and nice to each other and it’s just great.”
— Abby Silverman
Upperclassmen usually have a lot more experience in sports, meaning they challenge younger students. Many freshmen feel more challenged when they are playing with older players who have a lot more exposure to the coach’s methods and style. Younger players often have to work a lot harder at the beginning to gain the same level of experience. “Yeah, I do [feel more challenged on varsity]. It kind of brings my confidence down a little bit because they’re all older than me. Sometimes it’s kind of hard but it’s fun too,” freshman volleyball player Sailer Friedly said.
Younger students participating in athletic activities with students older than them can improve their overall BSM experience. Knowing upperclassmen as underclassmen can really make students feel more included within the BSM community. “Yes, I definitely do [feel more comfortable around upperclassmen]. I feel like I’m getting to know them more personally,” Friedly said.