The successes of sports teams and iconic franchises are often thought to be based on the talent of the players and the intelligence of the coaches. However, is a common misconception. Behind the scenes of every successful team are team managers working hard to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Team managers play critical roles in shaping their team and creating an environment to nurture success. They are leaders, problem solvers, organizers and also the team’s biggest supporters who cheer from the sidelines. They bring community and friendship to the team, developing an environment that leads to success. From taking photos, doing the book and showing up to games, team managers play an important role in the success of sports teams.
Donnell Davis (III), team manager for the girls’ varsity basketball team, shares, “I attend most of the games of the season. During the games, I attend to the book, which keeps track of the score and fouls, I help communicate between coaches and players, and I make sure the team has everything they need.”
These tasks are key to securing the team’s success, and they have a positive effect on each and every player on the team.
Girls’ varsity basketball captain Michelle Tossoukpe (I) discusses the effect of team managers like Davis: “Without our team managers, a lot of things fall apart, especially when we have games. After a tough game, they help us laugh on the bus ride back to school; they support us during our ups and downs of the season.”
Despite not being the ones scoring the points, team managers are critical players in growing and shaping the direction of the team.
When thinking of what makes a good sports team, the image of athletes shooting goals or making a touchdown may come to mind. On the contrary, Alexis Kiley (IV), manager of the wrestling team, says, “Team managers help keep the balance and peace on the team.” As a prime example of this, Kiley works to relieve the pressure off the coaches by being a pillar of support for her team: “I help the team out with uniforms, setting up equipment and tallying the scorebook. I’m here to help out and make sure the team is performing. Being one of the only girls there, I feel a need to connect with others and make a community.”
Not only does a team manager help support the team, but their position also provides potential for personal growth. For team managers themselves, this experience allows them to develop leadership and problem-solving skills. There are also rewarding aspects of being a team manager, whether it is winning games or simply making new friends.
A team manager’s tasks go beyond just helping the team. The organizational and logistical aspects would be left in pieces without them. Their leadership and problem-solving skills allow the players and coaches to focus on their core responsibility of creating thriving teams. The impact of team managers stretches outside the simple tasks that they perform; they are the glue that keeps a team together, making them just as important as any other player. Team managers go above and beyond to continuously support their team members and coaches.
