Being a freshman on a new college team can be very nerve-racking. Rookie college athletes may ask themselves questions like “Will I fit in with the team?” or “What if they don't like me?” These are all questions that went through my head when I was a freshman. However, a conversation our team had with the captain of our team changed my perspective completely. I wanted to share it with the hopes that it will have the same impact on you as it did with me.
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Our team captain brought us up at the beginning of our first captain's practice. What he said I still remember to this day:
“Listen, I know we all have a class associated with us,” he said. Then he pointed around at different members of the team. “I'm a senior, you're a sophomore, you two are freshmen.” If you thought he did this to lay out a hierarchy, you would be mistaken. “Forget it,” he said, suggesting our years didn't matter. “We are all a family, from here on out, we are going to act like one. We are going to be accountable for our actions because we are all men, and every member of this team has a role on the team. Big or small, everyone has a role and you are going to put your all into that role. Let's get after it!”
This speech really made me feel like I was a part of the team, and comfortable with being a freshman and becoming a part of this new family. So if you're a newbie, remember: you're just as valid as a senior. And if you're an upperclassman in a leadership role, taking the time to make the rookies on your team feel welcome can make a world of difference.
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* Originally published on August 22, 2022, by Brendan Duffy
