Under the bright lights of Wolverine Stadium, the commotion from the stands and the sound of the game create both an exciting and tense atmosphere. For most fans, football is about wins or losses, but for the players under the helmets who represent their schools, there is a whole other type of environment.
Behind every touchdown or tackle, there’s not just the physical demand, but also the mental pressure to perform. Long practices, schoolwork and expectations from parents or acquaintances often create stress that affects players.
Aiden Sidenstecker (10) says, “The hard part isn’t practice or anything, but the fact people are always watching.”
Social media is a large cause of this type of pressure athletes face. Platforms like Instagram or TikTok give players and fans a place to share highlights or gain a fanbase, but also create a large degree of comparison between individuals. A bad play can easily turn into a viral clip online. For some athletes, that type of attention can be overwhelming.
Many high schools have also been incorporating mental health into their training. Things like leadership talks, wellness checks or a quick pep talk before a game can all make a difference in a player’s mind. Coaches emphasize how when a player’s mind is strong, so is their game.
Despite this, football can still be extremely draining, as there is a very fine line between determination and burnout. Many players spend the entirety of the year training, potentially leading to a loss of motivation and even physical injury when they push too hard.
Even with expectations and demands, players can always find strength in the people around them. For example, the locker room is not just a place to prepare but also a place where the team learns how to communicate, share challenges and boost one another up.
This support from not just teammates but also family, friends and fans all helps keep players strong during the challenges of the season.
The mental game of football may not make big highlights like a last minute touchdown, but it is just as important for Aliso Niguel’s athletes. Football is about more than just the game. It’s about the lessons learned about discipline, teamwork and learning how to perform under pressure.
As the year continues, the Wolverines’ performance won’t be measured only by wins but also in resilience and how they handle expectations, stress and challenges.
