Time after time, we continue to be fans of our favorite teams. Regardless of how they play, we love them. Despite some of their performances, we continue to support them. But just what is it that forms this bond between the sport and the athletes? What connects the ones at home and the fans in the stands? 

For many, it’s a sense of community and belonging; it’s a chance to be closer with friends and family. Maximilian Jimenez (‘25) had no surprises with the Washington Nationals’ lackluster season. “We lost in pretty much every game (55 wins to 107 losses), but that was expected,” he said. Despite being a strong team in years prior, the Nationals have not had a winning record since their World Series win in 2019. Maximilian stays loyal to the red, white, and blue for a simple reason: family. Through his mother and father, he too fostered a love for the team. Just as his parents did, and associates them with something to have a discussion about and be entertained by.

The sentiment is shared by many others, such as between two lifelong friends, Chance Howell (‘25) and Chanan Wijesooriya (‘25). The two follow Liverpool F.C, and Chanan has remained a loyal fan from the moment he was born. “My parents brainwashed me,” he said with a smile. “I play soccer now because of my father and Liverpool.” The love for soccer has been a bridge for the two—Chance says he’s “been learning from Chanan … talking to him about it ever since [they met].” Similarly, Gabby Hines, a standout volleyball player, (‘25) couldn’t help but smile at how much of an impact sports have made on her. “[Sports are] a huge part of my life, that’s like my whole personality,” she said with a laugh. 

Alongside the players in the game, the fanbases love to poke fun at each other following a game. On November 2nd, the Houston Astros took the World Series title home with a 4-1 Game 6 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. When asked about the game,  Keria Kinnier (‘25), a longtime Phillies fan had but one response; “The Astros suck, that’s all I gotta say. We’re better than that.” On gameday, the fans are locked in. “The atmosphere is crazy. Hands-down the coolest thing is to be a part of the crowd cheering,” said one student who requested to remain anonymous. 

Despite the lighthearted moments they bring us, sports carry a deeper meaning for others. For the ones with nothing to lose, and everything to gain, sports are there for them. “It’s gotten me out of some really dark places [and] it’s provided me with a community,” said Hines. Sports are also used by many to leave everything else behind and have the chance to prove themselves on the court or on the field. For example, Kaci Johnson (‘25) never had to worry about anything off the soccer pitch. “I use sports to let go of stress related to anything [because] I’m so focused on the game,” she said. For Donavan Johnson (‘25), baseball is his life, as it was his family’s before him. “I was raised around baseball. Both sides of my family have been playing and even had shots at the MLB,” he said. Donavan builds himself on hard work, and uses sports as his way to leave his mark on the world. “[It] pushes me to make it someday … it’s just what I do.” Joining a sport undoubtedly leaves a significant impact on every athlete, from defining their core values to their ability to redefine the life they live in.

Never knowing what will happen next, the suspense throughout the game keeps everyone engaged. Until the final whistle, everyone still holds on to a little bit of hope. Crowds of fans show out to support their players and their energy is certainly noticed. “I always feel super good after hearing the crowd cheer,” said Hines when asked about how the fans affect her. “[They] overall make me play better.” 

The sports community will forever be one of the most accepting communities out there. The stories behind each athlete and what drives them are incredibly unique, and the fans behind them provide each other with a sense of community and belongingness. Through all the banter and rivalries, it’s brought friends and family together, been a way out for those on hard times, and been the great equalizer for anyone who wants to make their legacy.