In the tough, competitive atmosphere that is NAHS Athletics, student-athletes spend hours upon hours on the field, on the court, or in the weight room to ensure they come out on top. The high pressures to “be the best” can take a toll on athletes’ mental health and be detrimental to their overall mental health and game performance. In an attempt to be in a good headspace before a game, this is why many athletes of all sports have adopted superstitions or pre-game rituals to make sure that they come out with a dub.
For multiple sports athletes, game days never hit pause making it go time, all the time. Between balancing homework, multiple practices, and games, and somehow still managing to get a couple of hours of sleep each night, these fearless athletes never pump the breaks. Sophia Gonzalez, a sophomore at North Atlanta, is on the flag football team, and the wrestling team, and is a former level 8 gymnast. “My superstition is that if I talk to my parents too much before a game, I get more stressed and don’t do my best.”
Like most athletes, many tend to get the munchies before each game. Some Warriors may opt for a nutritious snack before a game or a snack that they will enjoy eating because who doesn’t like a treat now and then? Junior Brooke Hill, plays volleyball for the Dubs and loves nibbling on a snack before a big game. “I try to eat chocolate before a big game or tournament,” she said. “My uncle told me that it is good for energy, but I use it as a free excuse to eat it.”
While some athletes may eat before a game, others like to turn up the tunes, put their headphones on, and jam out before a game. For some, the right playlist might be just what they need to get game day ready because nothing is better than a pre-game dance party. Francie Herring, a sophomore soccer player at North Atlanta enjoys listening to music before a game to channel focus and boost energy before go time. “I like to listen to a lot of music, and visualize success,” she said. “Any Pitbull song is what I usually listen to before a game.”
These unique superstitions and rituals set the stage for athletes’ performance by creating a sense of confidence even if they don’t affect how they play. By creating these routines athletes can minimize their pre-game jitters and maximize their efforts when it truly matters.
