Berkeley High School’s sports teams each bring their own talent, and that talent wouldn’t be the same without their captains. Sports captains play an important role in creating a positive environment, holding teammates accountable, and overall inspiring success during the season. Athletic ability alone isn’t enough to make someone a good leader, and being a team captain often comes with added pressure, requiring a level of commitment and leadership that not everyone possesses.
BHS senior Josephine Sutton was elected one of two captains of the girls field hockey team by her teammates this fall season. As a captain, Sutton takes on the responsibility of motivating and setting the tone for the team. “Pep talks and inspiring speeches before games are something that I’ve always loved doing to get my team super hyped up,” Sutton said.
A challenge Sutton has faced is finding balance between holding her teammates accountable and still being a good friend. When teammates fail to take practice seriously or participate, a captain has to address the issue before it can hold the entire team back. However, calling out a teammate’s behavior can create tension, especially if that person is a close friend. “A part of that is doing what is best, not for your friendship, but for the collective team,” she said.
BHS senior and girls water polo captain Venice Hockey shared a similar sentiment. Having been part of the water polo team since her freshman year, some of Hockey’s closest friends are also her teammates.
“It’s hard to be the meaner side of a leader with people I’m really close to, I just have to sometimes separate from that a little bit,” she said.
With the understanding that it is her role to discipline the team, Hockey’s teammates have learned to look to her to set expectations and have grown to understand that accountability is intended to benefit the team as a whole.
A captain’s role is especially important when the team faces challenges such as losses and injuries. “I try to keep my team’s mindset right throughout the season, entering league, and we’re fighting some injuries right now,” BHS senior and varsity boys football captain Miko Greer said.
“When we lose, a lot of people can feel discouraged, and then we have a hard practice because people are really disappointed,” Sutton said. In these moments, captains must help their teammates push past disappointment and stay focused on improving.
Greer is committed to playing at the D1 level at the University of Las Vegas next year. Having reached the collegiate level, he is dedicated to the sport and understands what it takes to be a competitor.
“We include everybody in drills, and make sure underclassmen can be with upperclassmen to build a competitive atmosphere,” Greer said.
Additionally, he tries to model positive behavior through his own actions, emphasizing that building a strong team requires more than just holding players accountable, it also requires fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels motivated to improve.
Ultimately, a team’s success depends not only on its talent, but also on the leaders who bring its players together and create a strong team culture. Being a team captain can be difficult, but with the right player, the position can be leveraged to lead their team and contribute to success on and off the field.