What is a superstition? – “Excessively credulous belief in and reverence for the supernatural”.
Most people have little things that they do before a game that make a big difference. Whether they realize it or not, it is part of the routine that they have made for themselves. By the time someone is a senior in high school, they realize they have superstitions and follow them before every game. Superstitions come in many shapes and forms, and no two peoples are alike.
Justin Simpson ‘26 and Finn Osborne ‘26, both offensive linemen for the football team, said that “before the game and during halftime, we go and sit on the bleachers near the softball field and regroup.” They do this prior to every game. “It is only the linemen and Sean,” Finn shares.
The linemen and Sean do this in order to take a minute before every game to focus and prepare. It gets them ready for whoever awaits on the other sideline. It forms a strong bond among the linemen that is strong on and off the field.
Logan Stevens ‘26, a Cornell lacrosse commit who also plays running back for the football team, said “[I] stand in the same spot before every game and look out to the field.” He does this to get his mind ready and locked in. Players often use the time before games to regroup and prepare.
Brynn Burke ‘26, a girls’ soccer player, shares, “I get Starbucks before every game.” She does this to fuel her body for the challenge ahead. She tries to complete this ritual before every game and gets the same drink: a Strawberry Acai Refresher without lemonade.
Boys soccer star Jaykob Marquez ‘26 remarked, “I step on the field with my left foot first every game,” he also “puts everything on the right side first.” Jaykob puts his right cleat, shin guard, and sock on first before the left. Superstitions like this are not uncommon among athletes. It’s the little things that can prepare people for big games. The boys’ soccer team held an undefeated record in the regular season, and Jaykob’s performance kept him locked in for each game.
Jane Stauffer ‘26, the goalie of the lacrosse team, “touches each of the posts in the goal,” she also does this “after every goal.” Tapping the net prepared her for the game. It helps her get her surroundings in order before the game starts.
Kaia Alexander ‘26, a Hockey player for the Bernards Hockey team, has a routine where she “does a specific stretch before every hockey game.” She does this to make sure she is physically prepared to play the game.
Superstitions can be whatever a player wants them to be. It is a routine or a small thing that keeps them in rhythm for the game, so they are ready to play their best. Players might do things before every game, but not even realize it because it is just part of their pregame or postgame routine, but it is special to them.
