As spring approaches, many sports teams at Great Crossing are preparing for another season of hard work and competition. At the core of all the preparation for game day is the sense of trust and teamwork that exists between teammates. In high school, teamwork is essential regardless if athletes compete on a field, a gym floor, or a track. In order to instill a sense of trust and respect among a team, many of the sports at GCHS are involved in some form of team bonding. These activities provide the opportunity to transform individuals into a fully functioning team by building lasting relationships and boosting morale.
Throughout a season, sports teams typically have several events designed to encourage team bonding. While the activities may look different for each team, at the core of team bonding is creating personal connections among members of the group.
Brenna Parker, senior, has been a member of the Great Crossing Softball team for four years. In her time on the team, softball has become more competitive, and the girls have had to adapt to playing harder competition. They have seen great success, and even fought their way into the State tournament in 2023. Part of the softball team’s preparation for tougher opponents includes team bonding in the form of competition.
“My softball team does challenges where we have to compete against each other to win games during practice. It really pushes us to work harder and gives us a competitive drive. I enjoy playing against my teammates, and we even got pizza as a prize for winning a competition once,” said Parker.
Many sports practice for their seasons by scrimmaging against each other in practice to simulate real game situations. While it may be a different energy from the real gameday, it does allow teammates to connect with each other and learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of the team.
“I think competing against each other made us closer and also helped us improve our individual softball skills, because we were able to see what areas as a team we were lacking in. Then we could work in practice to fix those gaps,” Parker explained.
Some other sports, like track and field or cross country, revolve around pushing your body to the max effort during a race. In the middle of a race, you rely on your teammates to be there supporting you and cheering you on.
Grace Wolfenbarger, junior, has run XC and track since her freshman year, and has completed dozens of long runs with her teammates. Pushing herself day after day along her teammates has strengthened the relationships she has with them.
“We do hard runs together all season long. Some workouts when I feel like I can’t finish or it’s too hard, my teammates are the ones who can keep me going. This support system really pays off on race day, because when I hear my teammates supporting me and wanting me to do my best, it feels a whole lot easier to make it to the finish line,” Wolfenbarger said.
Of course, team bonds aren’t formed instantly, especially at the beginning of a season when many team members are strangers. Many teams, including cross country and football, will hold team camps at the start of the season to help athletes become familiar with each other in a more light-hearted setting.
Wolfenbarger admitted that the pre-season camp is one her favorite aspects of cross country season. “My favorite team bonding activity is definitely team camp. I get to learn more about my friends and the new people on the team and create bonds over the span of multiple days. After camp, I feel so much closer to my teammates before the season has even begun,” she reflected.
Many teams also spend time together after their games or meet to unwind from the day and reflect on their accomplishments, goals, or just to talk and hangout. A local favorite of the sports teams is Buffalo Wild Wings, where athletes frequent after their games.
Terry Ortiz, junior, is a member of the football and lacrosse teams. “Going to B-Dubs after a game is definitely my favorite team bonding experience. We get to spend time together and talk about what went wrong or right after a game, which makes our team stronger. B-Dubs also has great deals on food, so a lot of times we go for the BOGO wings. Team meals can contribute a lot to the atmosphere of the group,” said Ortiz.
Student athletes spend a considerable amount of their time at sports events, whether it’s practice, games, or even just watching game film at their house. The people on their teams become their best friends, and the relationships formed while participating on a team often last far longer than just your high school years. Team-bonding is an essential part of being on a team and can help athletes not only better players, but also stronger teammates.
