![Setter Emma Lee (9) sets the ball to the middle during the match against Pinewood on Sept. 12. “[I’m looking forward to] getting more skilled, learning more about my position and also becoming better friends with all of my teammates, Emma said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DSC_4917-2-1200x795.jpg)
![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasnt been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but Ive had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. Theres so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesnt exist, you can build it yourself, Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“Animation just clicked in a way. I had been interested in art, but that felt different. [Animation] felt like it had something behind it, whereas previous things felt surface level. I wasnt making that crazy of things, but just the process of doing it was much more enjoyable, Carter Chadwick (22) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Screen-Shot-2022-08-16-at-9.44.08-AM-900x598.png)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and its played such a major role in who Ive become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something Im [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala (21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“Im not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that theres a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyones so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you arent going to get those championships if you arent fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
Team managers of Harker
A behind-the-scenes look into what team managers do
Emma Doherty (10), team manager of Boys’ Basketball passes out water bottles and Gatorades to players during halftime at the semifinal game against Seaside. The Harker Eagles defeated Seaside 71-61 to advance to CCS finals.
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.
Riya Chandra is a reporter of Harker Aquila. She is a freshmen and has a passion for photography, as well as writing. She is also part of the DECA Club...
Kavya Ramakrishnan (12) is the managing editor of the Winged Post. This is her fourth year on staff, having previously held the positions of reporter and...
Alyssa Amick (12) is the Co- Editor in Chief of Harker Aquila. She has been part of the journalism program since her freshman year. Her favorite part of...
