By: Ainsley Northrop

People Editor

I think about how different my life would be if I had stuck with a team sport. Would I be more confident? Would I feel more fulfilled? Although I am content with where life has taken me, I cannot help but notice that students who participate in team-centered activities tend to be more social than those who do independent ones. 

When I was younger, I did just about every sport out there: basketball, karate, gymnastics, and so many more. While I liked the active part of each activity to a certain extent, as a kid my favorite part was always socializing with my teammates. I remember my days on the kindergarten soccer team, drinking Capri Sun and celebrating games at Cold Stone with my teammates. Even in elementary school dance class, we ran around the room together, dancing with teddy bears and singing along to our routines. Each of these activities brought me closer to people that I may have otherwise never met, helping me gain a sense of belonging. 

Freshman year I did not try out for any sports and I watched as my close friends found tight-knit communities within their activities. I would socialize with my friends and their teammates, but nothing compared to the connections that people in the same activity held. By sophomore year I joined water polo and the team immediately welcomed me. Being a part of a team helped me feel more happy as well as validated, and I still say ‘Hi’ to my teammates everyday at school.

While there are lots of social activities, many such as theater are individually-centered. While these activities may allow you to meet new people, they do not create the same bonds that teams do. For example, in contrast to team sports, theater requires one to compete individually, even if it means beating a friend for a part they desperately want. Thus, non-team-centered activities do not foster teamwork and support, but rather create a competitive environment. Teams, however, do not only include sports. At LGHS, classes such as El Gato, Yearbook, and Robotics foster tight-knit relationships through teamwork. Each of these classes allow students to work together to achieve a larger goal. Furthermore, they foster close friendships.

In addition to providing opportunities for new friendships, working in teams has many psychological benefits. According to Yale University, teamwork improves peoples’ confidence in sharing contrasting opinions as well as cultivates strong communication skills. Being on a team pushes people to work together to achieve a shared goal. Without communication between peers, goals such as winning a game or creating a group project are nearly impossible. 

Joining a team is a gateway to friendship and validation. Not only does it allow you to meet new people, but it forces you to improve your collaborative skills by working together for a larger goal. Teams, no matter what kind, provide unmatched connections, and are—in my opinion—one of the most important things for someone to involve themselves in.

(Sources: Yale University)