From tossing frisbees to advanced parkour, for many students sports extend beyond school. Numerous Piedmont students participate in club team sports, such as rowing, water polo, soccer, basketball, sailing, and more. Whether it is a club team or individual sport, the experience can vary greatly from playing for a school team.
For athletes, fun and distinct dynamics often come from different coaching styles and a broader sense of community.
“It’s really different in terms of elements of fun and it’s more common for coaches to act differently and be closer to us,” sophomore Austin White said. White said this approach is well suited for creating an encouraging environment in parkour, a sport that involves navigating obstacles by running and jumping. “A difference is that most school sports have a specific curriculum to qualify for credits while out of school sports do not, so the coaches have more freedom,” White said.
Non-school sports can also offer unique opportunities for some.
“Club sports allow you to play with different people you don’t know and experience new things, which can be great for growth and development,” said ultimate frisbee player freshman Danilo Titterton. Titterton said the exposure has helped him improve his skills and broaden his perspective, aiding his personal development.
Regardless of the setting, memorable athletic experiences are often created by the support of teammates and friends. Sophomore Robert Piniella, who participates in soccer, said he is grateful for the guidance of his older teammates.
“They’re all very positive, especially when I make mistakes,” Piniella said. “They’re always trying to keep your head up and get you to do good.”
White said that in addition to the differences in coaching style, social dynamics can change. This can lead to relationships with teammates built on shared passion, rather than proximity.
“The main difference is the community, “ White said. “In school sports, you meet your teammates at school, whereas with other sports, you see them a lot less often.”
Whether they are associated with the school or not, some sports are more individual. Freshman Sophia Li participates in the school’s cross country team and figure skates with a coach on her own time. She said certain sports develop a stronger team dynamic, while others require more individual responsibility.
“Cross country is a sport where there is a lot of team bonding and support from friends,” Li said. “You have to rely only on yourself in skating.”
Piniella said the level of competition creates a strong contrast between club and school sports.
“I feel more pressure playing on my club team because of the competitiveness,” Piniella said. “The school team is more casual and fun.”
The difference in stakes often influences the relationship between players and coaches. Titterton said he is close with the club coach because they meet every day of the year.
“The school coach is dedicated too, but I just don’t see him as much,” Titterton said.
