By Timothy Hollon
Nervous stretching circles spread throughout campus, eager 8th graders laced their cleats in anticipation, experienced veterans and optimistic newcomers alike focused their mental and physical energy, focused on one thing, and one thing only: tryout week.
Last week, the tryouts for the girls and boys’ varsity and junior varsity teams were held over two to three-day periods at Steinkamp court and the Upper Field. Masses of high school and middle school students congregated with the hope and excitement of representing our school in athletics.
The honor of representing Dalat at the Varsity and Junior Varsity levels is immense, and many of the boys and girls trying out worked hard with the memories of all the great Dalat athletes that came before them.
As Peter Hsu (12) put it, “Representing Dalat through volleyball is a privilege that embodies dedication and excellence.”
However, the tryouts weren’t all sunshine and rainbows for everyone trying out. At the end of the day, the teams only had a certain number of spots they could hand out, 12 spots for each volleyball team and 18 each for the football teams. Because of this, many felt worried or stressed as the tryouts were carried out, even some of the veterans.
Braydon Lee (11), a veteran Varsity athlete, said, “I always have the thought, ‘What happens if I mess up?' Obviously, I shouldn't have that thought… but personally, the pressure is always there.”
Sion Kang (8) described felt this pressure physically, describing his heart as “bumping because of nervousness.”
Others, like Kyra Brewster (12) and Russell Lee (11) were trying out for sports that they weren’t as familiar with and hadn’t grown up playing. Russell commented on trying out for the Varsity Boys Football team, saying, “Playing basketball as my primary sport, [trying out] with guys that have more experience in the game as well as being far more skilled, it was physically challenging to stand out.”
And every athlete wants to stand out.
As the coaches discussed among themselves and deliberated on who stood out and on who could bear the pressure of intense athletics, the athletes gave their all to ensure they would make the spot. For one week, all the athletes gave just a bit more than their best.
They ran a bit faster, kicked a bit harder, set a bit cleaner, and communicated a bit more.
And, as the week came to a close and the tryouts came to an end, the teams began to take shape as Dalat’s finest and hardest working athletes were rewarded for their hard work and dedication.
Nevertheless, through all the chaos and excitement of tryouts, it’s easy to forget--the season hasn’t even started yet.
As the whistles begin blowing, and the shoes begin squeaking, and the coaches begin shouting, Dalat’s familiar feel of spirit and pride and culture will begin to return, and both athlete and parent, coach and staff will come together in the beautiful unity that only sports can provide.
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