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Function of high school athletics differs from clubs

High school, club sports serve different meanings, importance | by ELIZABETH WILSON

What is the purpose of having both club and high school sports?

This is a question I often ask myself before tryouts every high school soccer season because, let’s face it people: high school sports aren’t exactly exalted for their level of competition.  If competition is what you are looking for, you are probably already involved with a club team and just playing high school sports for school involvement, school pride, bonding with your friends and a little fun.

I play club soccer for its level of competition.  The girls on my club team come from all different schools and are all of about the same skill level.  Our team travels all around the country, playing teams at the state, regional and national levels and goes to college showcases where college coaches come out to watch us play.  Club soccer is where I have to be when I am trying to take my abilities to the next level.

High school soccer, on the other hand, is often regarded as a break from the demanding commitment of club soccer and is often a way to gain a few more accolades for your resume and maybe even get your name in the school or local newspapers a few times.  It’s bragging rights, school rivalries, a sense of belonging and a fun after-school activity.  But, my club coach always complains that we come back from high school soccer out of shape and with “a lot of work to do.”

I asked girls from a few STA sports teams why they play for STA and why they play for their club teams so that I wouldn’t be making uniformed generalizations in saying that all sports function this way.  Their responses seemed to confirm my perception.

Senior tennis player and number one seed Kylie Hornbeck said she plays varsity tennis at STA for fun.

‘I love the coach and the team, but I have to do a lot outside of high school tennis even during the season to keep my game up,’ Hornbeck said. ‘I have a lot of friends who don’t play high school [tennis] because they don’t think it’s worth it.’

According to senior varsity basketball player Brady Essmann who began playing club basketball in fourth grade, the level of competition of competitive basketball teams is much higher than that of high school teams.

‘It’s like taking all the best players from different high school teams from around the city and creating one big monster team,’ Essmann said.

According to varsity junior softball player Ally Franken, high school sports may be more beneficial to underclassmen than they are to upperclassmen.

‘As a freshman, STA softball is probably more competitive than club just because you are facing pitchers and other players that are seniors and are playing at a much higher level than you are,’ Franken said.  ‘But as a junior, I think club may be equally competitive if not more competitive than high school softball.’

Take from this what you will.  High school sports are a great way to make your mark at STA and a great way to get involved.  But, if competition and excellence is what you are looking for, club sports may be for you.

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