What is the definition of a leader? Leadership is vital in a number of different environments, yet perhaps the importance of leadership is nowhere more apparent than on a sports team. The role of a team captain, a designated leader, is not reserved for the best player on the team, or the most enthusiastic team member. A captain should be one who leads by example: someone who is focused, hard working, encouraging of others, and able to bring people together. My co-captain and I, however, didn’t have much to do in the area of bringing the girls together and creating team unity - as they were able to do it themselves.
Team Prep Camp, a 5-day soccer camp in Maine, occurs about two weeks before preseason and is open to any Tabor female soccer player who wants to participate. This year, 27 girls from the soccer program attended camp, where we get ready for preseason by training and scrimmaging against other school soccer programs. Most importantly, however, we’re able to create team chemistry by spending time with one another between sessions, as well as bonding over activities such as s’mores and creating a dance for the team dance competition. From the very start of camp, new students were given a warm welcome from the returning students, and everyone was able to make connections among the entire group of girls. The ability to become such an inclusive and cohesive unit within a few days at camp was an encouraging sign going into preseason.
During one of our preseason sessions, someone from the team mentioned that preseason seemed to be going by so quickly. Even with the excitement of being back on campus, the double sessions, and the start of classes looming over our heads, every person gave their best effort and worked hard to improve everyday. The entirety of the program being able to train together without being segregated by team or talent allowed everyone to enjoy playing soccer and working hard, while simultaneously strengthening relationships with their peers. This focused and positive attitude was just a continuation of what had started at camp, and truly embodies what the girls’ soccer program is all about - working hard, having fun, and making each other better. This, to me, is the core definition of a leader - making those around you better - in which case, everyone can be a leader, as everyone apart of the girls’ soccer program truly has been.
