In almost every high school sport, there are team captains who are meant to help create a sense of unity and set a good example for others on the team. The real question is, what makes a good captain? Is it the qualities they hold, the responsibilities and tasks they complete or the ability to communicate and motivate their team?
According to Chris Nordstrom, head coach of the cross country team, it is super important for captains to make sure they are uplifting and have good attitudes, while also showing up every day. Nordstrom said it’s also significant to be able to lead other teammates in such a difficult sport.
“Captains should have natural leadership and also positivity, which is so crucial in cross country. (Because) cross country is such a difficult sport, being both mentally and physically challenging, (a team must) have captains who are committed and just really positive people to be around,” Nordstrom said.
Park girls’ soccer player Laura Anderson said it is essential to have captains on a sports team because they are someone other players can communicate with if approaching the coach feels frightening. Anderson said since captains are closer in age to players than coaches, it’s easy for them to talk to the team.
“It is important to have captains so athletes can have somebody to go to and talk to, rather than a coach, because it could be a little scary or intimidating to go up to the coaches,” Anderson said. “Captains are more of your peers, so you can feel more comfortable going to them when you have questions or a concern.”
According to Krychell Smith, Park girls’ volleyball captain, being a captain is not something she takes lightly. Smith said the responsibility of being captain reflects her dedication to the team over the years that she has played and been committed.
“Being a captain is an honor to me. It means that I have been recognized not only by my team but by the coaches and our program that I am worthy to have a leadership role and that they can trust that I will uphold my end of the bargain when I am needed,” Smith said. “I feel like it also shows how much work I’ve put into this sport over time.”
According to Nordstrom, captains have many responsibilities that help the team run smoothly and are very important. He said many captain duties include reaching out and communicating with teammates and planning team get-togethers.
“Our captains run team bonding, which is something that they do on their own. They do barbecues, the girls have a team sleepover, sometimes the guys have a team sleepover (and) they run our warmup. Anytime there is a dress code, the captains put that out there; they send reminders to kids whenever information needs to go out. They do quite a bit and have quite a bit of responsibility,” Nordstrom said.
Anderson said a good captain makes sure everyone feels connected and heard on the team. According to Anderson, it’s necessary for captains to make sure all teammates have a say in decision-making.
“A good captain brings people together, talks to everybody and makes sure that everybody is communicating. The captains make sure everyone is included and everybody has a say by taking in everyone’s opinions, which I think is super important,” Anderson said. “The captains also make sure that everyone gets to know each other and has a sense of togetherness on the team.”
According to Smith, captainship that is built overtime has allowed her to earn the respect and trust from her teammates. She said making sure the team is heard and participating is important to her.
“I make sure everyone is given the attention they need and is involved in our team. It was a gradual build-up to earn trust and gain respect as a captain because it comes from trying your best and showing improvement and respect to your team as well,” Smith said. “Being present in every practice as someone who is looking out for everyone and keeping things moving. I also make sure everyone’s voice is heard in our big group conversations, and if there are moments that nobody is talking, I will take a stand so nobody feels awkward or feels like everyone has given up on the team no matter what is going on whether that’s on or off the court.”
