With the new school year underway, the new fall sports captains, Soccer Captain Miles Lesser ‘26, Cross-Country Captain Jack Gunther ‘27, Tennis Captain Maya Dagli ‘26, and Field Hockey Captain Elizabeth Behrendt ‘26, are trying to make up for the loss of last year’s seniors and step up as leaders by implementing new ways to work together as a team.
With a brand new season and a new league format implemented, the Soccer Team is trying to fill the shoes of the class of ‘25. Varsity Soccer Captain Miles says, “I think we are going to be different. We’re going to have to play more as a team and not rely on one person or a couple of people, and there’s going to be a lot of people that are going to have to step up into roles that weren’t in last year.” Miles expresses that they are confident going into this year’s season, even without last year’s seniors.
Field Hockey Captain Elizabeth is one of the players who became a captain this year for the Field Hockey Team, which is focusing on teamwork. The captains emphasize that being a leader means helping the team as a whole. “Being a captain isn’t and shouldn’t be about having the most power on the team,” said Elizabeth. “That’s not what it means to be a leader. Rather, being captain and a leader of the team means setting a positive example for younger players.”
Maya has taken on the responsibilities of captain of the Tennis Team and is working to build on what the seniors taught them last year by supporting their teammates as they develop as a team. “The captains last year were such great leaders, and I have learned a lot from them,” Maya said. “I have tried to continue what they did last year by supporting my teammates on and off the courts. I want to make sure everyone has fun while working hard and improving.”
The Cross-Country Team is hoping to improve as a team this year and make up for the loss of their seniors by working harder to grow as a team. Cross-Country Captain Jack says, “This season is different because we lost a lot of seniors, but we still expect to work hard and get better as a team.” Jack also shares how he sees the team, “I think the team’s biggest strength is camaraderie. Practice can be challenging at times, and I think we do a great job of lifting each other up and keeping it light by joking around. I don’t really think there are any weaknesses on this team.”
Bill Klose, Director of Athletics, emphasizes the importance of being a captain and what it takes to be one. “Being a captain is a huge responsibility and should be taken seriously, Bill explains. “First and foremost, you must be a great teammate to be a captain. You need to help the younger players and set an example, but also be able to lead your peers without being negative. It’s not easy being a leader and captain, but it is always a position of growth, and you will learn a great deal about yourself.”
