Upper School (US) sports teams don’t run on talent alone — they’re also fueled by energy. Every squad has that one player who shouts the loudest, lifts others’ spirits and pulls everyone back into the game when momentum slips. For Girls’ Varsity Soccer (GVS), that spark is goalkeeper Sandy Narayan ’27.
Sandy has played on GVS for three years.
“It’s really important for me to stay positive because I feel like my optimism can help everyone else stay positive,” she said. “I care about the team, and I really want us to do well. Being positive can help achieve that.”
Sandy brings a stable presence to GVS.
“I cheer my team on at the same time as focusing on making saves,” she said. “It’s important to stay consistent. I can’t change my mentality whether we are winning or losing.”
Goalkeeper Jillian Sperry ’29 learned from Sandy during the season.
“Sandy’s very hardworking,” she said. “If she makes a mistake, she’ll own up to it, correct it and use it to improve. Her positive attitude can always keep the team positive, especially because she is a goalie, so she has a view of the field that no one else does.”
Defender Elle Dagdigian ’29 saw the value of having hype players like Sandy.
“When the whole team’s down from a game, they are able to uplift us and bring a sense of positivity,” she said. “Sandy is very positive, and that rubs off on people.”
Varsity Football (VFB) Co-Captain Liam Cunningham ’27 noted that hype players don’t have to be captains.
“Having energetic players can make a huge difference in team morale and overall energy,” he said. “Our team might be a little tired after the warmup, and Colin Hoffman ’27 is always there to fire us up when we get back to the locker room. Even though he’s not an official captain, he’s really one of our captains. He’s one of our hardest workers and is always giving 110 percent.”
Wide receiver Dave Dudzinski ’29 agreed.
“Every single day, Colin’s always getting us ready to go, especially the young guys. He makes sure that we’re feeling that game spirit. Colin is one of the first guys to step up when we’re down. He’s always trying to get us over that hump and keep us focused.”
Colin plays running back and linebacker.
“I’ll do anything to help us win,” he said. “I try to take a leadership role on this team and get the guys motivated, not only verbally but physically. I try to give our guys a high five, dap them up or pat them on the back to get them motivated.”
Boys’ Varsity Cross Country and Girls’ Varsity Cross Country Head Coach Charlie O’Rourke said hype players aren’t necessarily the most talented athletes.
“Having confidence is key,” he said. “Some students aren’t as comfortable stepping into the role, which is why having people who have already been through the ups and downs is important. To me, it’s not important if they finish dead last in every race but that they try their hardest.”
