We all know sports at Oakton are serious, intense, and a big time commitment, but some students that haven’t been playing their entire lives still want to join in on the fun. Many students pick up the sport weeks, or even days before tryouts. These athletes are most likely looking for an enjoyable way to spend their time with friends and taking that much needed break from schoolwork.

“Coach Counts’ son, Wiley, talked me into playing lacrosse for his mom,” said Maddie Royle, freshman.

Royle had picked up a stick for the first time the day of tryouts and said the hardest thing was, “Coming from basketball, not knowing the rules, not knowing how to catch and throw, and having to practice with varsity first thing.” These are the exact reasons many do in fact, not try out. The simple fear of not making it, or embarrassing themselves is too much for some, but the benefits of making it are much greater.

“Tryouts aren’t as bad as they seem,” said Anika Malik, freshman. Malik plays for the JV softball team, spending time both in practice and at home getting up to the level the rest of her teammates are playing at.

Continuing scientific research shows that benefits are not only physical, but social and phsycological. Sports teach teamwork, cut down on pressure and stress, improve grades, boost self esteem, and improve health.

As the spring season rolls on, Malik and Royle like their sports more and more, and hope to continue next year. “My favorite part is making new friends and meeting new people, I wish I started earlier,” Malik said. Famously said by Wayne Gretzky, Royle adds in, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”