Behind every strong team is a student manager that contributes to its success behind the scenes. Though they aren’t the ones scoring points, their contributions are an important part of what happens on and off the field.
A team manager does more than simply showing up to games and practices. They help with equipment, create social media content, post game scores, and collaborate with parents to plan events like senior night. They’re present at games and practices and communicate with referees to upload game statistics. Responsibilities often begin before the season starts through fundraising and showing up to open gym sessions.
Students decide to become managers for many reasons. For Berkeley High School senior Cara Likas, her decision to become a manager stemmed from a desire to strengthen her college applications. “I didn't have a lot of leadership roles and was starting to think about extracurriculars. I knew that being a team manager shows organizational skills and leadership,” said Likas.
BHS junior Mera Alnawashi’s decision to become the girls junior varsity water polo manager was influenced by friends who introduced her to the sport and a desire to earn Physical Education (PE) credits. She wanted to find a way to earn PE credits because her dance program outside of school didn’t meet BHS’s PE requirements. Similarly, this was a deciding factor for sophomore Kahloni Delayney, who manages the junior varsity football team, because it meant that she didn’t have to take PE anymore, and she can use the extra period for an elective. All managers earn one semester of PE credit for each season they work as a team manager.
“My friends were all doing water polo, but I'm not the strongest swimmer,” said Alnawashi, “So, I decided to join the team by becoming the manager.” This opportunity allowed her to experience the sport and contribute to the team without having to compete in the pool.
Inspired by her grandpa who coached football at Oakland Tech and her father who played in high school, Delaney has always felt connected to football as she grew up watching it with her family. “Also, I love motivating people and giving them advice when they feel as if they are unable to achieve their goals,” Delaney said.
Team managers are often seen as coaches’ helpers, so Alnawashi was surprised by the level of connection she has gained, describing how she feels like a member of the team. “I thought managers were just hanging around with the coaches and doing stuff, but I'm actually with all the players,” said Alnawashi.
An important aspect of being a manager is time management.“It’s important to be able to balance school and football. Practices end around 8:30, and on top of that you still have homework,” said Delaney. On top of going to practices and games, Likas explained that coordinating events, contacting parents, and posting content takes time out of the school day.
Being a student team manager can be challenging and is often overlooked. Just like athletes, managers must juggle schoolwork while contributing to their team’s success. Despite this, signing up for the position comes with many potential benefits: an additional extracurricular activity for college applications, the opportunity to earn PE credits, and connections with tightknit communities. Students can become sports team managers by reaching out to coaches before the season begins about available positions and expressing interest in helping the team.