Here at PDS, student athletes and fans seem to have one message for the student body: more needs to be done in support of our under-recognized teams. Student support directly boosts the morale and performance of the players and contributes to the overall school spirit that PDS seems to lack.
The impact an excited and passionate student section has on a game is significant. When students come out to watch, they are emotionally investing in the game alongside the players. Senior girls’ tennis captain Kavita Amin felt that the student section creates a “larger sense of excitement…because there are more people who are feeling the emotions of the game together.” This shared energy makes players feel appreciated, motivating them to work harder. As sophomore athlete Victoria Sichel pointed out, “It puts a lot more at stake for the players, causing a better performance.” Furthermore, when players look to the stands and see the unwavering support of their peers, they feel a greater sense of pride and confidence in their abilities.
Senior girls’ tennis captain Vera Goliyad shared that her favorite memory from PDS sporting events was when her teammates would cheer on the other ongoing matches. She appreciated the sense of community that was created in spite of the team not drawing many fans.
The difference between a packed student section and empty seats is one that affects athletes deeply. When they have the support of their peers, each point or goal feels more meaningful. However, when a team’s hard work and accomplishments go unnoticed, athletes feel as though their wins are worth less without their community present to witness them. Sichel, a member of the state championship winning PDS girls’ ice hockey team, elaborated: “None of my sports ever really get a big student section packed with classmates and teachers, even at a state final in an NHL arena.”
This raises the question: How can we increase student support at PDS games? Student athletes and fans put in an immense effort to promote the PDS vs. Lawrenceville boys ice hockey game and encourage attendance, and it works every year. Additionally, the sports that get the most support, like boys’ ice hockey, soccer, or lacrosse, have very vocal players as well as convenient game locations (like the Athletic Center rink). Head of School Doctor Nicholson-Flynn pointed out that certain players or teams are great at rallying attendance.
Therefore, in order to boost attendance at games, we should extend these methods to underrepresented sports, turning to more activity from ZOO representatives and vocality from our student athletes on Schoology and in Gatherings. Most importantly, fans, friends, and peers must make a greater effort to show up to these events and appreciate our hardworking and talented athletes.
