The 2022-2023 girls varsity basketball team has had a successful season so far with a record of 14-6.   Behind the scenes, two teenage girls are managing the hard working, yet energetic team.  Sophia Maggos and Lakshmi Ojha started preparing for this hopeful season in the beginning of the summer and have been dedicated to the team since.  Let’s take a peek at their highlights and  advice to give future managers.

How do you think the skills you learned from managing a varsity team will help you in your future? 

“In order to manage a sport effectively, I believe that you need a few skills.  Organization, time management, and communication.  Coach Leach helps out with the organization and time management as she writes down a plan of everything that needs to be gone over for a successful practice.  This has taught me the importance of these skills and how I can transfer that into my daily life,”  said Sophia Maggos.

What is the most challenging part of being a manager?

 “The hardest part of being a manager is learning how to set up the tripod and make sure the film is smooth.  I struggled a lot with the tripod last year but have gotten the hang of it a little bit more.  Other than that, being a manager is easy because of how fun the environment is,”   said Lakshmi Ojha.

What advice would you give to new managers?

 “Always have an open mind.  There are always things changing and certain things that you need to help out with.  I also think that since being a new manager it can be overwhelming,  it will take time to learn what the coches need from you and it will differ every day.  If you make a few mistakes, don’t be hard on yourself.  The first few days I struggled with the clock.  I would beep the loud horn by accident and everyone would stop and look at me. I would be embarrassed but I learned to not put so much pressure on myself and laugh it off,” said Maggos.

What is your favorite part about being a manager?

“My favorite part about being a manager is being able to cheer the team on and spend time with them at team dinners.  During the season we all got super close and the energy is amazing.  We all support one another and I know that everyone has each other’s back,” Ojha said.

 ”My favorite part about being a manager is being able to spend time with the team whether it be at practice or outside of basketball.  I love everyone on the team so there was no question that I wanted to be involved in basketball somehow.  Throughout the season everyone connects on a deeper level.   I love the high energy that is made on the bench while supporting everyone who is playing,” said Maggos.

Why did you choose to be manager?

 “I played in the past and knew a lot of the girls that are on varsity.  I stopped playing but still wanted to be a part of the program and cheer the team on. I did not really know what to expect going into it last year but was met with so much positivity and excitement.  I feel like a part of something bigger and really enjoy being a manager,” said Ojha.