Some student athletes have superstitions that they believe they need to perform before every game or practice to succeed in their sport. Superstitions can start for some at a young age, and they can often change depending on the sport they are playing. These rituals provide a sense of control for athletes in a competitive game that can’t be completely controlled.
GCHS senior Lola Dooley is a member of the girls’ varsity soccer team. Dooley’s superstition began when she was younger. Dooley explained, “It started because my mom always told me if I did something different, I was messing with the ‘juju’ and it would get in my head. If I played one good game, my mom encouraged me to do the same thing I did that day in the next game.”
Dooley credits a good game to her superstition. “I wear my left sock on my right foot and vice versa. When I take my jewelry off before the game, I have to take my left earring off before my right. I also drink an entire electrolyte packet 30 minutes before every game because I think it helps me and gives me the energy I need to play.”
Trevor Klein, head coach of the girls’ soccer team, also believes in superstitions and actually has a superstition of his own. “I try to wear the same hat, shoes, and pregame routine.” This is Klein’s second year as Head Coach of the girls’ soccer team, but he has had this superstition since he was the head coach for the JV team.
Some athletes don’t have superstitions, or they think that they can do more harm than good. Klein acknowledged that superstitions aren’t for everyone, and they can cause a negative mindset that can ultimately hurt them if they don’t perform to the highest level. “If they credit how they play toward the superstition for playing well, it may create a negative mindset if not performed.”
Sophomore Kendall Crump has played for the Great Crossing girls soccer team since she was in 7th grade. Crump has already made her mark, setting a new school record having the most goals in one season. Instead of superstitions, Crump tries not to think too hard about the upcoming game. “I don’t have any superstitions, because I know they would stress me out before games, and I like to play freely.”
