Some athletes arrive with several years of experience; others show up with only a few. However, all athletes experience the same process of trying out to make the team. As the fall season comes to a close, SJJHS winter student athletes prepare for their 2025-2026 season as tryouts approach and arrive.
The question of what is enough and what work can be done for tryouts rises amongst every athlete. With not only physical condition being a focus, but their mentality also creates attention to most athletes when entering a competitive and intimidating atmosphere. Although the amount of players who attend tryouts varies, it is still important for players to show up, perform their best, and play their hardest.
To do so, many devoted players prepare for tryouts for not just weeks, but months in advance sacrificing weekends, attending extra training sessions, and balancing demanding practice schedules with their social life.
“I’d say like a couple months in advance like at least three to four months before season starts,” said Ricardo Acosta (12).
As well as athletes also make sure to prioritize not just getting themselves prepared, but also their team as a whole and their relationship. Team bonding, and the team dynamic plays a very important role within athletes performances, effort, and ability to work together.
“I feel like end of summer you kind of prepare more and you kind of work on yourself a little more, and then more into august its more like team working, so we kind of do more like team bonding and like practice as a team,” said SJHHS basketball player, Adelyn Boburg (12).
“My fellow teammates and my coach are the biggest people I would get advice from,” said SJHHS Water Polo player, Chloe Nolan (12).
SJHHS Soccer Player, Ricardo Acousta (12), has ten years of playing experience and a father who also works as a soccer coach, but does not let these advantages stop him from preparing for the competitiveness of tryouts.
“I just make sure to go to the gym, practice individually and have private sessions,” said Acosta.
Most athletes train their bodies and center their physical and mental well being prior to tryouts. It is important for players to not only be in the right head space, but the right physical condition for them to be able to efficiently perform and execute their best playing. This all includes eating right, training right, and even giving their bodies a break when pushed to strict hours and determination.
“Resting before and not doing too much before tryouts, like eating a proper meal really helps me,” said Boburg.
However, it is important to recognize the growth that athletes encounter mentally, preparing for their games, preparing for tryouts, and also just bettering themselves as an individual.
“Mentally, I think about how to be better, and think about things I can do, or things I can correct for myself that will make me become a better player, as well as help my teammates become better players,” said Nolan.
It is no secret that tryouts are nerve racking and competitive, but it is also no secret that all athletes and players prepare themselves differently whether that be physically or mentally to showcase their best abilities.
