The star players on all sports teams are usually the athletes who receive the most recognition. However, these athletes’ teammates are the ones who help them consistently improve and perform at a high level.

These are the teammates who spend most of their time practicing and training but who receive fewer opportunities to display their skillsets. Despite having limited chances to compete, these athletes often prove valuable to their teams in ways outside of their athletic performance.

While he does not receive the opportunity to compete as much as he wishes, junior Michael Bucher, a member of both the football and baseball teams, sees his value as an athlete who can motivate others. Bucher, who has contributed to the sophomore and varsity football teams and sophomore baseball team, shared the importance of everyone when it comes to the whole team’s accomplishments.

“I just try to look at it in a positive way. If there’s someone better who can help the team out, that’s what we’re going to do, and I’ve just got to try to do what I can to help the team be the best. Like in football, our coach always says, ‘everyone plays a role,’ and I know that, so I know that if I’m not the best, then I’m not going to play, and that’s fine with me,” Bucher said.

After leading her squad to an undefeated record in conference games this past fall, head coach of the girls varsity volleyball team Kristina Toth reflected on the team’s success this past season. Toth believes that some members of the team played a pivotal role in the group’s performances without even competing in every game.

“[The team] has girls this year that absolutely helped us to get a regional title that didn’t step foot on the court the entire playoffs and postseason. They communicated well with their teammates, but that takes a very unique player to be able to take on that role,” Toth said.

Accepting leadership roles and promoting a strong team atmosphere is just one way that athletes respond to their limited playing time. Senior Erin Glennon is playing at the varsity level for the second year now and uses her experience to help the younger members of the team. Glennon spoke on how the girls basketball team works to boost each other with optimistic energy in their games.

“Our entire bench has to cheer on and be loud and encouraging, so whenever … anybody makes a shot, we cheer. We encourage our teammates to improve and that positive energy is great to affect the team,” Glennon said.