For many athletes, sports are more than just games. They spark passion, build character, and open doors to new opportunities. At UC High, students who play sports learn valuable rules in discipline, teamwork, and accountability, skills that extend beyond the court or field. From developing leadership abilities to discovering new paths for the future, sports offer experiences that will benefit every aspect of an athlete’s life.

   According to an article about sports and teen mental health, not only do sports bring joy and happiness to people but they simultaneously bring fire and passion (newportacademy.com). “Almost nothing beats the adrenaline of a Friday night game,” said Junior Tucker Wojdowski. Wojdowski is a captain for the Varsity UC High Football Team, starting as a defensive end and tight end. He is also a multisport athlete, playing basketball and track and field for the varsity teams.

   Wojdowski strives to be the best version of himself, expressing how playing sports pushes him to do so. “Sports teaches discipline and teamwork in a way nothing else does. You learn to trust people and hold yourself accountable because your team depends on you,” said Wojdowski. According to a psychology article, accountability is a big part of sports, because without it, success will not be achieved (psychologytoday.com).

   According to the University of Missouri Health Care, “Fighting for a common goal with a group of players and coaches teaches you how to build teamwork and effectively communicate to solve problems” (muhealth.org). This can help you navigate the world outside of sports, giving you the skills to successfully overcome hardships. This includes problems one may face after college or in the workplace.

   “They (sports) create opportunities for people who might not have had them otherwise,” said Wojdowski. Furthermore, college scholarships are available for those who are academically advanced and for those athletically exceptional as well. This opens up the opportunity for people who can’t afford the cost of going to college to still acquire a college education.

   Senior Danielle Muttera is a captain on the Girls Varsity Volleyball Team and plays the outside hitter position. She expressed her appreciation for the tools that sports has given her and said, “From learning how to be organized, to prioritizing sleep and my own health, being an athlete really teaches you how to become the best version of yourself (if you let it).” She conveyed how playing sports is so much more than a game but a place to grow and learn.

   While building off the court skills while playing, athletes are also able to step away from off the court problems. “Every worry or thought that is in my head seems to vanish. Even while the game is hard mentally, volleyball never fails to bring me a crazy amount of joy,” says Muttera. One can hear her passion for the game in her voice.

   Many students face uncertainty when it comes to choosing to play sports or not. According to a website about the future of sports, “The age group where sports participation is falling at the fastest rate is in teenagers ages 15-16 years” (newsportfuture.com). Some might argue that there is not enough time to participate in sports, and Wojdowski understands this dilemma, explaining how “…playing two varsity sports as a sophomore took up a lot of time and energy.” Contrary to this, Wojdowski believes sports have ultimately shaped his high school experience for the better.

   Muttera agreed, saying that sports have made her overall high school experience better. Going back to freshman year, Muterra explained how sports made the transition from middle school to high school easier. “I was really nervous as a freshman, but joining the Volleyball Team my freshman year was something that guided me though those tough first couple of weeks. It has also helped me connect with people in a different way than just being in classes with them.” Muterra compared the connections she has made with people in her sport versus those she has made in her classes saying she has a deeper bond with the people in her sport.

   While many statistics show that playing high school sports can be demanding and time consuming as study reports claim that high school athletes often train 15 to 18 hours per week, they often play a powerful role in shaping character, teaching discipline, and creating opportunities that extend far beyond the playing field (nsba.org).