Being chosen as a captain of a varsity sport requires unique skills that many athletes can benefit from. Today two Varsity Captains at Berkley High School will be talking about how they became captains and what they bring to the team.
,” states Niyo. Niyo continues sharing his thoughts about this upcoming season and how he can implement that same energy from last year. “We are off to a good start so far, we are instilling confidence in the team so that we can do it again, and we are getting ready for our big games too.”
As the Bear Pack has seen, the boys have been doing great so far this season but had a disappointing loss to their biggest rivals, Troy Athens. Niyo comments about this upcoming season. “I think we should have been more prepared for that game, we went in a little too confident, and we didn’t talk enough. We should’ve switched up the mindset, stepped up more, and brought the energy during the game,” shares Niyo about what he could have done better as captain to drive his team to secure the win. The soccer team is in good hands with Niyo being a great captain and an amazing example for the rest of his teammates.
Jessica Gleason is a senior captain on the Girl’s Varsity swim team, and today she walks through her opinions on being a captain and what it means to be a captain on Berkley swim.
“In my opinion, […] to become a successful captain you need organization skills, the ability to take responsibility, and be able to be mature. […]” Gleason states. She adds that having good communication skills are a necessity as well because a lot of communication happens with other captains, coaches and the team to solve problems and make plans.
Most captains of any sports team deal with constructive criticism to guide their teammates in the right direction, Gleason guides us through her way of dealing with constructive criticism. “Often we try to address the team as a whole so that the teammates don’t feel as bad about their mistake, but we try to get the point across.” Gleason continues to explain how there has been some tension in the team and many teammates have been expressing their annoyance at the captains. “We just take the responsibility and tell the team, for example, ‘Guys clean up after yourselves’, and ‘Do this instead’,” to guide them into a positive and successful practice, explains Gleason.
Gleason then shares her and her swim team’s goals for the season as it’s just the beginning. “I want our team to bond more because we are doing well this season so far. There is this cider mill trip that the team is taking, and it will be great for us to bond and get to know each other better. I also want all of my teammates to know that we are there for them so that they can come to us but also that they are there for each other. I want the freshman to look up to the sophomores, not just the seniors,” states Gleason.
These two captains are outstanding examples of what a captain should strive to be. As their season continues, they are hustling every practice and every game. Speaking of both of the teams, swim and soccer are going to be teaming up creating a charity meet, and competing against each other, to fundraise for Kids Coalition Against Hunger, come out and support our bears on October 8th at 7 pm!
