Varsity is a term describing a person that is talented at a sport; it determines who plays at games and matches to represent the school. Junior varsity are for those who are not as skilled as varsity, and while they are part of the team in name — often times they struggle to earn the recognition and title more revered.
Sulphine Susie Odio has been part of the Girls’ Tennis team for 3 years now, including this year. To determine the rankings, the coach of the tennis team sets up matches between the members. Odio and her partner were allowed to challenge the varsity for their spots, and were simply overjoyed when the coach had advised them to try for varsity. This match was split between two days, and much to Odio’s surprise they had won the first set: 6 to 3. To win spots in varsity, they had to win 2 out of 3 sets. The next two sets were continued the day after.
Unfortunately, they did not earn the varsity spot, however Odio was not discouraged at all saying, “We actually held a grip on the scoreboard and never left a set with a zero. In the past, we could barely even return one shot made by the varsity girls.” She counted this as one of her highest moments in fact, and still strives to try out for varsity.
Sometimes, it seems that junior varsity has it easy with no pressure when they play. A bad game can get anyone disappointed, angry, or upset, even if it’s not because they felt like they disappointed their team, but in fact a particular down that Sulphine had was during a home game. “My mind was occupied with fear and worry because someone I immensely respect was observing my performance,” Susie stated, expressing the frustration of not being able to perform at your best.
Even the intimidation of varsity can scare fellow members. When asked if she felt closer to junior varsity or varsity, a sophomore in varsity admits that she felt closer to JV, feeling that they were “friendler...and I stuck with it!” Some of her most memorable moments as a freshman was simply spending time with junior varsity on the car rides to games at other schools, describing her feelings as “welcomed” and “included”.
Junior Varsity might not have the title of “varsity” , but they certainly have their own perks.
Sulphine Susie Odio has been part of the Girls’ Tennis team for 3 years now, including this year. To determine the rankings, the coach of the tennis team sets up matches between the members. Odio and her partner were allowed to challenge the varsity for their spots, and were simply overjoyed when the coach had advised them to try for varsity. This match was split between two days, and much to Odio’s surprise they had won the first set: 6 to 3. To win spots in varsity, they had to win 2 out of 3 sets. The next two sets were continued the day after.
Unfortunately, they did not earn the varsity spot, however Odio was not discouraged at all saying, “We actually held a grip on the scoreboard and never left a set with a zero. In the past, we could barely even return one shot made by the varsity girls.” She counted this as one of her highest moments in fact, and still strives to try out for varsity.
Sometimes, it seems that junior varsity has it easy with no pressure when they play. A bad game can get anyone disappointed, angry, or upset, even if it’s not because they felt like they disappointed their team, but in fact a particular down that Sulphine had was during a home game. “My mind was occupied with fear and worry because someone I immensely respect was observing my performance,” Susie stated, expressing the frustration of not being able to perform at your best.
Even the intimidation of varsity can scare fellow members. When asked if she felt closer to junior varsity or varsity, a sophomore in varsity admits that she felt closer to JV, feeling that they were “friendler...and I stuck with it!” Some of her most memorable moments as a freshman was simply spending time with junior varsity on the car rides to games at other schools, describing her feelings as “welcomed” and “included”.
Junior Varsity might not have the title of “varsity” , but they certainly have their own perks.