The reality of being a varsity student-athlete is, needless to say, very demanding.
Balancing both the consistent load of schoolwork and crammed after-school athletic schedule—not to mention the responsibility and commitment that translates to outside-of-school activities—is something that must be managed as a top-level athlete.
For the small group of freshmen who either made the varsity team or were selected to play up for playoffs, this truth was put into perspective with not only the jump to a new school but also the transition to an exceedingly competitive team.
Soccer player Jack Fielder was one of these freshman. Jack previously played center mid for the JV team and was pulled up to represent the Rangers during their most recent playoff season. For Jack, playing and practicing with varsity spurred a greater appreciation for the aggressive gameplay and assiduous teammates that came with the new team.
“The biggest difference [between playing varsity and JV] was probably the environment. Everyone was really close, and it just felt good playing with people that were at a higher level,” said Jack. “We all gave 150% every practice and every game.”
The varsity soccer team, who ended the season with an impressive record of 16-4-1, brought upon a more advanced atmosphere where Jack was grateful to test his limits. A backbone of playing a varsity sport that Jack acknowledged—along with the tight-knit bonds and remarkable work ethic—was the constant physical and mental strength that the game required.
“Practice is a lot more intense for varsity. It’s just more physical, and everyone’s focused. People don’t mess around,” Jack said, “and we have a rule called ‘No Blood, No Foul.’ If you hit someone, and they aren’t bleeding, then it’s not a foul, and the coach won’t call it. You can’t be scared to put your body out for the ball, and you have to play to your strengths.”
Soccer is only one of the sports that requires such devotion. Running back and linebacker Brody Nieuwkoop was chosen to play with the varsity football team for this season’s playoffs, being one of a very selective group of underclassmen to make the cut. Similarly to Jack, Brody found that a large discrepancy between playing varsity versus playing on the freshman team was the demanding physical aspect.
“The biggest difference is the physicality,” said Brody. “But [I like] getting to know the team and knowing what it’s like to be on a varsity team to get me ready for my upcoming years.”
A football player since 5th grade, playing in the high-stakes setting of varsity has provided Brody with a more extensive understanding of the game. A leading touchdown scorer on the freshman team and a top contender for the most yards carried, being a part of the celebrated Ranger varsity football program has continued to shape him into a better player.
“Everything is just more in-depth,” Brody said, “so I’m building on the skills that I already have. And there’s a lot more at stake because it’s playoff season, so everyone’s working harder. “
Volleyball setter Jenna Stibitz was the only freshman to make the varsity volleyball team this year and also recognized the variation of gameplay between the different levels of the sport.
“I feel like the pace of play is definitely different. It’s a lot quicker, and the mentality is a lot stronger,” Jenna said. “We do a lot of strategic play.”
Along with the fierce environment and fast-paced play, Jenna has found her favorite part of playing with the varsity team to be the caring community that her fellow teammates have built. Jenna has been playing volleyball since seventh grade, and as the youngest on the team, the older girls have acted as role models to Jenna, for which she is eternally grateful.
“[My favorite part] is being with the older girls and having a bunch of built-in older sisters on the team,” Jenna said. “They have mentored me and helped me with playing and also stuff outside of the volleyball program. And [everyone on the team] is super nice. We all have so much fun all the time, and the girls are all super funny. I just have a blast with them.”
As the fall sports season comes to a close, the unsurpassed ability and perseverance of a select few freshmen is an accomplishment that should not go unnoticed. Participating in a varsity sport as a brand-new high school student—while it requires a great amount of effort— provides rewards beyond just having your name on the roster. From the chance to grow as a player and the bonds built between teammates to the dedicated structure and unforgettable memories, the experience is not one to be taken for granted.
“You have to take everything in and learn from it,” Jenna said. “It’s all a really huge opportunity.”
