It was at an awards event when cheerleading captain, Emma Mikesh ’14, got into a disagreement with another individual. It was her coach, Avery Watson that ultimately taught her that the best way to deal with the situation would be to leave the jealousy and apologize. “Avery is honestly like a big sister to me, and to the rest of the team. She has taught me a bunch on minimal life lessons, such as presenting myself with proper composure and courtesy at awards event,” Mikesh said.

One lesson that football captain, Jack Massie ’14, has learned from his coaches is to always give 100% effort in what he does and that improving on the sport he loves sometimes requires participation in things he doesn’t. “Lifting and running 4 times a week over the summer definitely wasn’t fun, but by the time the season came, we all were able to see how all that work paid off,” Massie said.

Similarly, swimming captain, Verity Abel ’14 said she has learned that, when it comes to success, and self-motivation are key. Abel’s coach has taught her that in order to strive in swimming she needs to be mature enough to want success. “Success doesn’t come easily and part of being strong at something is learning to make sacrifices,” Abel said.

Additionally, athletes such as tennis captain, Melissa Beretta’14 have realized through the years that it is vital to be able to work well with others in order to achieve a common goal. “My coach Paco Fabian taught me that, in life, you are going to remember the big things, the exciting things, and the team wins above any individual triumph or placement,” Beretta said. On the court, Beretta gives her individual matches her all, constantly hoping for a Wreckers win, not just a Beretta win.

Baseball player, Sam Ellinwood ’14 said Coach McFarland has been a huge help in teaching him how to be an effective leader. Ellinwood explained that he doesn’t consider himself naturally outgoing, so directing others as captain came as a challenge for him. “Coach McFarland has taught me that I can lead by example” Ellinwood said. Not only has this helped Ellinwood as a baseball captain, but he has also found it beneficial in life.

Another lesson that has been grasped on the Staples field is the lesson of respect and kindness. Field hockey player, Valerie Fitton’14 said that one of the most important things she plans to take off the turf with her is to constantly treat people with warmth. Fitton explained how coach Kristin Schulz is always well mannered, “even to opponents and bad refs,” Fitton said. “It makes her such an approachable person and coach.”

When it comes down to it, the most important thing about high school sports is not the numbers on the scoreboard, but the lessons that come with the time spent with coaches trying to get those numbers on the scoreboard.

“All of my coaches have been more than mentors to me; they’ve been friends, heroes and people I look up to, and I could never repay them for all they have done for me,” football player and lacrosse captain Jack Greenwald ’14 said.