For most students, a freshman biology test and playing in a Senior Night game will never coincide on the same day. But for multiple freshmen this year, varsity sports are part of integrating into high school. Many freshmen are starring on varsity teams, giving them a chance to experience high school athletics a little bit differently from their peers.
Most noticeably, their exposure to upperclassmen has allowed many of them to grow and improve while getting used to high school.
“Being around upperclassmen helps me because they’re a lot more competitive, and if you’re around people at that level then it makes you a better player,” said varsity boys’ soccer player freshman Robert Piniella.
Varsity girls’ volleyball player freshman Allyson Huynh said she shared a similar sentiment, and that her teammates have helped her gain a better understanding of the sport. She also said they have provided guidance outside of sports, especially in navigating freshman year.
“My teammates have been so amazing,” Huynh said. “Some of them are really helpful in helping me with choosing my classes for this school year, getting to know me, and being friends to me.”
Varsity girls’ soccer player freshman Kyla Williams said one of the potential downsides of playing with upperclassmen is the lack of playing time for freshmen.
“With a lot of seniors, I didn’t know how much playing time I’d get,” Williams said.
Piniella and Huynh also said the difference between JV and varsity sports was how the pressure is increased at the varsity level.
“A lot of people don’t realize how much pressure it is,” Huynh said.
Hyunh said her peers who play JV or freshman volleyball don’t have the same issue. Piniella said there is a difference in mindset between the levels. He said how there is much less drive to win and improve on JV.
“On varsity it’s a lot more motivating to want to do better for the team,” Piniella said.
Huynh, Piniella and Williams said their varsity experience at Piedmont has differences and similarities from experiences playing club sports.
“It feels different from club, because club is a different [type of] competitiveness,” Williams said. “In high school, you’re going up against other high schools, and I’ve seen people I’ve played through club, but I would say they’re both stressful.”
Huynh said club sports have helped her grow as an athlete.
“I can use club to my advantage in helping me get better,” Huynh said.
Although their experience on varsity has just started, Huynh, Piniella, and Williams said they are looking towards the future.
“Next year and the years after I think I’ll be able to grow because I’ll be playing with my friends,” Huynh said. “This year I didn’t really know anyone on the team when I joined.”
Williams also said her experience as a member of the team will shift in later years.
“I’m hoping to be a good role model to whoever’s upcoming,” Williams said.
Piniella said he has high hopes for the future, especially because there are a few other freshmen playing boys varsity soccer this year.
“I’m looking forward to when I’m a senior,” Piniella said. “We’re gonna be really good.”
