During the season, the Wolverines at Aliso Niguel High School have continued to prove their focus and commitment to the game, all playing for something larger than just winning. Athletes and coaches on the team support one another and combine their focus in order to reach shared goals. No matter what challenges they may face as the season progresses, whether it’s a tough game or rough injuries the Wolverines have proven to keep pushing through their hardships all while keeping their spirits high.
Coaches stress the idea of how progress doesn’t just happen overnight, but happens slowly and consistently. They explain how the hard work and determination players put into the game is what shows while under the pressure of a game. In practices, players need to show up ready to go, whether it is running drills, working on mistakes or practicing plays, it is the effort they demonstrate in these practices that gives the team a chance to win. But during the game, staying motivated while playing is not always about the score. For the Wolverines, it’s about moving on from small mistakes and maintaining their determination and pride all while trying their hardest. Aiden Snidenstecker explains, “We always try to keep each other’s morale up even in a tough game. We always tell each other that it’s fine and look at it in the past.”
Motivation also comes from the competition itself. Going against new teams each week means new challenges, from learning a rival’s strategies to adjusting plays mid game when things aren’t going as planned all keep players on edge, sparking their impulse to stay determined.
Besides just competition, factors like team bonding and school spirit also help keep player’s motivation up. Events like pep rallies and team dinner help create a sense of home. Serving as a reminder for the athletes on the team that they aren’t only playing for themselves but also for their teammates and the school as a whole.
Continuing the season, athletes on the team are aware of the challenges they will face, things such as challenging games or harmful injuries can all decrease a player’s motivation to play, but the commitment they have made to their teammates helps them push through such hardships and keep their morale high. For many players long-term goals is what helps keep their spirits high, for some it may be reaching playoffs, representing the school, or having a career in the sport, goals are what drives them to keep playing, Aiden shares how, “The drive and dream to play football D1” inspires him and motivates him to keep working hard.
Another important factor that drives motivation is community support. On Friday nights all the lights in the stadium, when peers, family, and teachers are all cheering from the stands, uplifting the spirits of the entire team, helps athletes work even harder despite being exhausted. This is because the players on the team know that the school is both rooting and counting on them, driving them to put in their all, boosting their confidence and pride while playing.
As the year unfolds, the Wolverines commitment to the bigger picture remains steady, growing as athletes, students and teammates. Their motivation comes from more than winning, it emerges from their improvement from losses, facing through adversities and working hard together as a team.
