While we often highlight the achievements of successful athletes, the crucial role of student managers is frequently overlooked. To gain insight into these leaders’ responsibilities, stressors, and time commitments, Jack McGuane ’26, Austin Zhao ’23, and Adama Sowe ’23 shared their experiences as student managers.
While McGuane has been interested in football from a young age, his parents’ disapproval of the high levels of contact associated with the sport prohibited him from actively participating until his freshman year. Initially, he planned on contributing as an athlete but jumped at the opportunity to be on the managing side of the sport. As a manager for Boys’ Varsity Football, McGuane’s responsibilities require him to “work with the equipment and prepare everything, whether that’s footballs or help with getting their pads on.”Additionally, McGuane helps upload and edit video footage, acting as an all-around assistant.
Similarly, Zhao and Sowe, the managers of Girls’ Varsity Volleyball and Girls’ Varsity Soccer respectively, became involved in managing due to their love for the community and appreciation for the sports. Austin stated, “Volleyball was a really big thing in Texas. And so, we would go watch volleyball games. I didn’t really play myself, but I thought it was fun.” While these three may not contribute athletically to Choate’s victories on the field or court, they are critical contributors to the team’s success.
Though often overlooked, being a student manager is a time-consuming responsibility . According to Sowe, “I have the exact same time commitment as an athlete, just no physical activity.” Similarly, in response to the relative time commitment between athletes and managers, McGuane shared, “We have to be there before most of the players who are on the field to set it up.” When asked about their favorite parts of managing, the response was unanimous: the team. “My favorite part about management? Definitely the team aspect … it’s just really great to be part of a team where I can feel like I’m actually contributing and helping them out,” explained Zhao. McGuane added, “I know the guys. I feel like they are comfortable with me. We respect each other, and it’s just a good time. If you’re there for them, they’re there for you.”
Despite the importance and difficulty of their positions, many team managers feel underappreciated. Though McGuane, Zhao, and Sowe each stated that they feel recognized and acknowledged by those on their respective teams, Zhao shared, “There’s a lot of people who I would tell, ‘Oh, I’m going to manage,’ and they would scoff at that. They’re like, ‘Oh, so you do nothing.’” Yet, this could not be farther from the truth. Zhao spends afternoon practices with his team, keeps scores during scrimmages, ensures balls stay pumped, and retrieves medical kits and towels when needed. Sowe works tirelessly to ensure that all the Girls’ Varsity Soccer athletes are adequately prepared for games, have their equipment, and feel supported.
As displayed by McGuane, Zhao, and Sowe’s thoughtfulness, commitment, and consideration, team managers are indeed crucial leaders in our athletic department and valuable members of our Choate community. While these three may not contribute athletically to Choate’s victories on the field or court, they are critical contributors to the team’s success.
