Beyond the usual coaching staff and players, many teams have another essential element – team managers that help keep their teams motivated.

Along with the basic responsibilities of controlling equipment and keeping statistics, team managers become a part of the team and ensure practices and games come together seamlessly.

“It’s a great opportunity for those who want to stay involved in their sport and it doesn’t necessarily have to be about playing or competing. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to keep the program going and team managers are a vital part of that,” said Dan Molin, Upper School Athletic Director.

Savi Joshi, co-team manager of Girl’s Basketball, echoes similar sentiments, becoming team manager after she did not have enough time to commit to the sport but still wanted to be part of the team.

“These girls become a part of your family, and you get so accustomed to them being there that when all of a sudden you don’t have to be at Blackford for practice 20 minutes after school ends, you start missing that family bond and those moments you share as teammates,” said Savi.

Roles and responsibilities of team managers vary depending on the team. Boys basketball team managers Emma Doherty (10), Madhavan Nair (11), Ajay Chitkara (11), and Ransher Dhaliwal (11) manage statistics, keep track of the scoreboard during practice, sweep the floor, fill up water dispensers during games. In basketball, out of the four team managers, at least one is always present at every practice.

“They’re definitely part of the team, things are much easier when they take stats and help us improve,” said Aathira Menon (10), Girl’s Basketball team member.

Most team managers feel a personal connection to the sport. Emma decided to manage the basketball team after watching her brother, JP Doherty (‘13), play throughout his years at Harker.

Fellow team manager Ajay accepted the job after a friend on the team asked him during his sophomore year.

“Throughout the time I have spent being a manager, I have got to spend time with the players, most of whom are my friends, and watch them show off their talent and potential,” he said.

Seniors Vincent Lin and Andrew Wang are the first-ever team managers in girls lacrosse. As of now, they will keep track of scores and statistics, bring food to games, and provide support for their teammates.

Andrew Irvine, Head Coach of girls lacrosse, expressed his excitement for the new addition to the team.

“It’s a new thing for me so we’re going to see how it works. […] They get to define their own role and whether or not we’re going to this again,” said Irvine.

Contact the head coach of a sport for more information on becoming a team manager.

This piece was originally published in the pages of the Winged Post on March 12, 2014.