GOAL! As the fall season continues, the Girls Varsity Soccer team is hard at work practicing and preparing for their upcoming games. Among them is their manager, Yvonne Jimenez.
Jimenez is a junior who manages Girls Varsity Soccer and helps with JV. She’s been involved with the girls soccer team since freshman year and continues to do so this year. We interviewed Yvonne to get a grasp of what it means to be a manager for a school’s sports team.
Star: Why did you decide to become a manager?
Jimenez: Due to a recent injury, my ability to play this fall season has been delayed. Therefore, I had to find an alternative to where I could still support the team and be involved.
Star: What does being a manager entail? What are your responsibilities?
Jimenez: My job is to be of assistance to both my coach and teammates. On the daily, I help to keep practice organized and moving. If needed, I can also relay messages from the coach to the girls. My other duties are to be present whenever possible, be the student authorizer for certain paperwork, and focus on my recovery.
Star: What do you like about being a manager?
Jimenez: The perks of being a manager are that I can support my team in whatever ways they need. I am able to see the game from an outside perspective, and this helps me as an individual player because I can learn and observe, but then again I can also report. I have both a serious and fun job because I can build social connections while also staying focused on the main goal.
Star: What are some common misconceptions about being a manager?
Jimenez: Most people think that a team sports manager role is for people who didn’t have the athletic capacity to be rostered or that they just want to hang out. This is untrue for most people, as my other manager friends can attest that we all have purpose. Our role contributes to the overall team. We may not be on the playing field, yet our responsibilities only aid the team in success.
Star: What are some challenges you’ve faced as a manager?
Jimenez: As a manager, it can be difficult to deal with the mental aspect of wishing you were on the field. All day, every day, I spectate a game that I enjoy and am capable of playing. It can be discouraging because the want makes me impatient in my recovery process. Then other times, when you’re not occupied, all you can do is root for your team and literally stand on the sidelines. It’s in these moments that I begin to feel useless, especially when they can win without me. Although, I love watching my team dominate and I understand my circumstances, so I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to have an active role.
Star: Do you have different roles during practices and during games?
Jimenez: During practices, I usually connect the water hose, pump balls, help set up drills, motivate the girls, time their runs, organize pennies, shag balls, and train the Junior Varsity goalie. During games I wear soccer shirts to show support, fill up the team water jug, cheer on my teammates, give them their water during water breaks, and clean up the field (flags, trash, put away balls, etc.).
Star: What is a memorable experience you’ve had as a manager?
Jimenez: The season just started, but so far, my most memorable experience as manager has been tryouts. There was one day when I had a physical therapy appointment, so I had to leave the tryout early. However, after my appointment, I was able to make it back in time to witness the rostering. I was glad that I could be a part of the process, even though I wouldn’t be playing, and it was exciting to see who the team would consist of.
Star: What advice would you give to aspiring managers?
Jimenez: For those of you aspiring to be managers, do it! Your team just might need your help. Do your best to immerse yourself in the sport experience and be a helpful part of the team. Be supportive of the players and complete your duties whether big or small because it all makes the team function smoother, which can result in success.