At Edison, as the second semester arrives, so do the spring-term sport teams. Some students are anxious for the tryouts, while others are confident in their abilities. Regardless, students are collectively working on enhancing their technique to ensure a better performance on the days of tryout. 

“I am kind of scared for tryouts but I made the team last year so I already have experience. But I am scared for my friends that didn’t make it last year even though they got a lot better,” said Ian Durant, a junior at Edison. 

Some students are doubtful of their capability to make it on the team or lose their past skills over time. As a result, an increase of afterschool activities has been happening, several students are gathering to practice their sports either in clubs, the auditorium, or outside. Helping students to feel more confident and less stressed.

“Since it’s winter time there isn’t much time to play, but I have gone to this place. It’s called Rep Center and it’s a gym that has specific times where I go to play volleyball with my friends,” Durant said.

A handful of them also feel uneasy due to not knowing what will be happening during the days of tryout. 

“I don’t know much about the process but I asked the coach what is needed to get into the team, what is required to know, and what to do to possibly get accepted,” said sophomore Kavita Sukram. 

For the Girls Softball tryout, it is confirmed from Coach Sabella that it’ll be a two day procedure. 

“The first day I want to see if the girls can throw and catch, and we’ll also do some drills like one-hop and fielding. We will be on the field and see how far these girls can throw. On day two we’ll be doing hitting then some kind of game situation to see how well they work under pressure,” Ms. Sabella said. 

More tryout information for Girls Softball will be posted on Room 104’s door. 

Although, being good at a sport is one of the major things needed to get accepted into a team. The type of person you are and how you carry yourself plays a huge role when it comes to teamwork and staying focused. If you do not bring the energy or determination you won’t enjoy the memories you make later on with your teammates.

“We look for a student who is invested in team and personal success. Someone who is a responsible student, someone who consistently looks forward to being better, and someone who constantly brings energy and passion,” said Mr. Burdick.

In volleyball, there are two main components that Coach Burdick focuses on when it is the day of tryouts. He wants to see where his players are at so far and if they are physically ready for what volleyball brings for them. These tryouts usually go for about three days so students trying out can really give it their all and show that they have what it takes. 

“For volleyball tryouts we usually do basic volleyball drills that give us an idea of where all of the players are. We practice bumping, setting, blocking, and we also have a fitness component to see what they are ready for in volleyball,” Mr. Burdick said.

Some former players stated that they got better because of what they learned from their teammates. They did not just rely on what they were taught but have taken in what other players play better. Students that are planning to try out should continue practicing until tryouts happen because the practice will be worth it. 

“Last year I got a lot better since the seniors were there and they were able to teach me. I was able to learn new skills and get more experience. Rather than just playing with a ball and the coaches telling us what to do for practice,” Ian Durant, junior, said.

What many students described as exciting and nerve-wrecking, the spring-term sports tryouts are gradually getting closer. Best of luck to all those who are attending!