In every sport we know and love, winning takes more than just the players and coaches; it’s the team managers working behind the scenes to ensure every athlete is equipped to perform at their best. As they say, it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a good team manager to help a team succeed.
It is no secret that the boys’ basketball team is the talk of the town during the winter months at North Atlanta. With the intense atmosphere that fuels the Warriors’ battleground, preparing players to perform at their peak isn’t just about practice; it’s also about the behind-the-scenes efforts of the team managers. Hand-selected by North Atlanta’s very own Kerry Sarden, whom the Warriors tragically lost in January 2024. His passing deeply affected not only the players but also team managers Malina Marindi and Kennedy Brantley, for whom Sarden was a father figure. Despite their heartbreaking loss, both managers continued to give their all this past season. “I was pulled in as team manager by Sarden because I had his class,” Marindi said. “It took a lot of convincing, but I finally decided to manage the boys’ team.”
The love for a sport can be shown in different ways, while playing on the court, sitting in the stands, or in this case, being a team manager. Despite the demanding responsibilities of being the girls’ basketball team manager, sophomore Emery King’s love for the game shines through. “I was close with the coach, and some of my friends are on the team,” King said.
Even without a stick in hand, team managers are just as much a part of the team. Girls’ lacrosse team managers like senior Autumn Johnson have made unforgettable memories that will stay with her for a lifetime. Being a team manager isn’t all work; there’s plenty of fun, too, and Johnson knows this well. “It was a pool party where we celebrated the season and everything that came with it,” Johnson said. “The weather was pretty hot, but the atmosphere was everything.”
Behind every great team isn’t always talent and practice; it’s the tireless effort of those who work behind the court and field to make it all possible. From equipment coordination to team morale, North Atlanta’s team managers are the unseen heroes who keep the game moving forward. Whether it’s the legacy of a mentor they adore, the passion of the game, or the camaraderie developed along the journey, their impact is daunting. In the end, championships aren’t always won by players; they’re built by the entire team, and that includes the ones off of the court.
