Kayla Beck, Reporter
@kbeckcourant
Whether on the field or in the kitchen, team managers do it all. The athletes of the New Canaan sports teams always get all the praise, however, nobody realizes that there are other MVP’s sitting behind the scoresheet. Team managers have many responsibilities that help keep the team running smoothly, from baking every game day, to working the scoreboard and stats, there’s a lot to do.
Every game day team managers must make time, at least a half hour before the game, to bake brownies, cookies, or anything in between. Team managers have to keep their athletes well-fed in order to boost morale after a win or a loss. Some managers even find ways to incorporate a holiday spirit into their baked goods. Junior hockey manager Katie Miller, says, “On Valentines Day, we made themed treats, brownies with hearts and pink cookies, and put it in the team’s locker room so they could have it for after the game.”
Sometimes it can be hard to keep up with school work, as well as all the work for the team. With games late at night or hours away, it’s difficult to balance time, especially with homework piled on. Katie Miller recalled one specific time, “There was a game we had over midterms, so I had to bring my school stuff and study during the game,” she said. “Also some games are late on a school night, which makes it more difficult to get school work done.”
Managers for different teams have different jobs. A junior track manager, Matthew Pelli, has just recently started the season. He says, “I time the girls when they are running with a stopwatch, to help them improve their speed.” This includes standing outside in the cold waiting for each girl to finish their lap. However, he helps keep the atmosphere positive, as he says, “I boost their morale, and I try to be very motivational as well. I encourage each girl as they run by, saying, ‘Keep going! You got it!’”
Coaches also keep a close eye on what the managers do for their team. New Canaan High School girls lacrosse coach Kristen Woods, describes what she looks for in a good team manager for her upcoming season, Coach Woods says, “They have to be responsible, and make sure that at game time, they are willing to pay attention to the game and focus.” One of the responsibilities of a team manager is to keep the scoresheet, as well as the scoreboard, so being present at every game is important to the team’s fluidity and success. To be able to keep the statistics, Coach Woods says, “You need to have at least a little knowledge of the game.” A good team manager who focuses, takes responsibility, and helps the athletes can contribute to the success of the team. Coach Woods agrees, “Of course, every part of the team helps.”
Although being a team manager involves a lot of work, some have found ways to make it more fun. Katie Miller is close with her co-team manager, senior Jackie Newlin. Katie enjoyed going to each game, baking, and working the scoreboard, because having her good friend with her made each job exciting. Katie says, “I was excited to sit in the box with her, or bake brownies with her, because we found a way to make every moment fun.”
