Even after thousands of reps and countless hours spent on developing their craft, athletes are still faced with possibly the biggest challenge: overcoming mental adversities. Feelings of nervousness creep up in the mind of so many athletes and it can be a true test to conquer those haunting thoughts of doubt, especially when leading up to the tryout period of their sport.
With winter sports coming into sight, it can be difficult to find peace when experiencing overpowering nerves. Luckily, high school athletes typically have ways to prepare themselves for the season.
Though she is going into her fourth year of high school tryouts in the next couple of weeks, senior Varsity Girls Basketball guard Kamira Botos still feels some nerves leading up to the season. To feel confident when going into her tryout week, Botos has been making sure she has spent enough time in the gym.
“I’ve been going to basketball workouts we have after school and going to scrimmages every Sunday,” Senior Kamira Botos said. “I also go to the landing and shoot around with my brother.”
Being a multisport athlete comes with several perks, one being that it provides experiences that can be relatable to various sports. Botos uses her success through softball tryouts in the fall as a reminder that she can perform her best, even under pressure.
“[Playing a fall sport] makes me feel more confident because I’ve already gone through one tryout week and I did just fine,” Botos said.
Even with these aiding experiences, it’s still common to endure a sense of worry due to our natural habitat. With that, sometimes what’s best is to go to the people you trust most.
“I go to my teammates and they all help calm me down,” Botos said. “Or I just take deep breaths and think to myself about how I’ve done this multiple times before.”
Taking a total 180-degree flip, Freshman basketball player Sam Boudreau has experienced different emotions in preparation for his first year of high school-level ball. His mindset is slightly more carefree and focused on a memorable time.
“I’m not nervous,” Boudreau said. “I’m excited because [basketball is] fun.”
Like Botos, Boudreau has also been spending time in the gym and the weight room to better prepare for his season.
“I’ve been showing up to morning skills and going to after-school weights,” Boudreau said.
After a bad play, it’s incredibly crucial for athletes to understand that it’s in the past and the action is now unchangeable. To keep from dwelling on the past, Boudreau reminds himself to have his mind on one focal point:
“I focus on the next play,” Boudreau said.
High feelings of anxiety are prevalent in the minds of most athletes. What’s vital for these players is to remember that it’s okay to feel this way and trust that they are more than prepared. At the end of the day, the sport should bring you joy and memories that will last a lifetime.
