Teamwork and traditions of CGS soccer
By Amare Kaainoa ‘24
CGS Varsity Soccer Jersey Swap courtesy of @cgsvarsoccer
Through its triumphs and defeats, Catlin Gabel soccer has made a long-lasting impact on both its players and the general Catlin community. Spectators of the sport delight in seeing the men’s varsity team win 4 consecutive state championships, or the women’s mercy rule OES 8-0, but what goes on behind the scenes? What traditions and team activities keep this team spirit alive?
One of the more memorable and widely known traditions of the men’s varsity team is the group's decision to bleach their hair. When asked about the origins of this tradition, co-captain Owen Jones says, “We don’t even know when it started,” but over the years it has become increasingly important to the team. This year, Jones’ mom bleached the entire team’s hair.
Although many Catlin soccer enthusiasts are fans of this tradition, junior Nick Miner-Winter has a different perspective. “I don't like it. It looks terrible every time. It looks horrendous,” said Miner-Winter.
Despite this harsh criticism, Miner-Winter notes how his bold opinion could result from his upbringing.“I was raised in a household that hated soccer, and I think that's really affected my opinions on soccer, but I ******* hate it.”
Whatever your opinions on the iconic blonde hair, it’s important to note that the tradition’s purpose is not rooted in the desire to simply “look good,” but rather bring the team together, have fun, and potentially intimidate opposing teams with their synchronicity.
Although the women’s traditions may be less obvious to the public, co-captain Pia Patrikson confirms they exist. “We have secret buddies, do team dinners, and we do the jersey swap with the boys every year.”
When asked about any pre-game rituals, Patrikson said, “We stand in a circle and scream in the gym…and then we stand in a circle and scream on the field as well.”
As a freshman during COVID, Patrikson noted how these activities helped her to engage and integrate herself within the team. “I remember when I came into high school, because obviously we had COVID freshman year, it was a bit different, but it was very nice to come into that team environment,” she said.
Among the 4 players interviewed for this article, each mentioned how small efforts like hosting team dinners or having a pre-game ritual can make a big impact on a team’s spirit and overall togetherness.
Although all traditions mentioned up to this point may seem ordinary and mundane, both varsity teams admit to each having an additional tradition they would like to keep hidden from the public.
While the details will be withheld from this article, an anonymous source commented that the women’s team’s secretive tradition gives them “cultish vibes.” “It kind of reminds me of Pitch Perfect where when they first come in they have to drink out of the goblet. It kind of gives me that vibe. You know, it's a little scary.”
Regardless of what goes on behind closed doors, soccer has proven to play a crucial part in the players’ lives. Senior co-captain Raul Rendon Benitez said, “Everything I do revolves around whatever values come up in the sport, like teamwork, cohesion, collaboration. And those are kind of like my main values in life.”
Jones shares a similar experience, noting the two main things he’s gained from playing soccer: “hard work and relationships.” “I think pretty consistently people that play soccer are good people. They have a good work ethic, they're kind, and I think it's created a lot of lasting friendships for me,” he said.
Despite some criticism and suspicion towards each team’s traditions, their dedication to the sport and each other stays true. These activities, no matter how strange, bring players together as friends and teammates, and clearly, they’re working as both varsity teams are on their way to state championships.