Being on a sports team here at OHS can be very fun because there are times when you can make very good friendships with new people that you have never talked to. You can have a very good bond with the coaches or the people who are on the team, and some can have a positive mindset about being there and having a lot of fun socializing with new people.

“Kids do sports, clubs, and performing arts to be with their friends, but if they don’t have a big social group, sports and activities can become a very nice way of building those friendship groups and also meeting new friends. To try out for a sport, just find out when the off-season starts to meet the coaches and some new people. The off-season is a good time to practice the sport and socialize with the other athletes before the season,” said activities director Mr. John Ellenberger.

“I choose to play volleyball because it is something I enjoy doing and I would recommend it because the environment is positive and everyone goes out of their way to help you when you are struggling. My experience being on the team went well. I met a lot of new people who influenced me positively and got to make strong friendships. It was awkward to get to know everyone at first, but once we all got a little comfortable with each other, we became really good friends,” explained junior Suzeth Ferrufino Payan.

“Being on the soccer team I am on is important because it motivates me to learn to play with many different players to and able to improve as a team and a player. I chose soccer because most of my family grew up playing soccer, including my dad, my siblings, uncles, and cousins. I definitely recommend playing soccer because even if you aren’t good at it, it’s a great way to make new friends and make new memories, and even get some exercise in. I would join again because I love the sport, the people, and the overall experience I get when I play a sport I love with my friends who love it as much as me,” said junior Kimberly Martinez.

Joining a team here at Osbourn can be fun because it something you do after school because there are times when you want to do something that allows you to stay active and meet new people. You also learn to play as a team and to work as one, which can be fun. Osbourn coaches work hard to bring out the best in all of their athletes.

“I coach to create a sense of belonging and family as well as a sense of accomplishment. I love watching everyone get better. When it comes to selecting athletes for the soccer team, I look for commitment, hard work, consistency and especially the ability to motivate others and spread positive energy,” explained Coach Shelly Zenewicz.

“I coach because I want to get our kids some valuable playing time and to keep them healthy. Athletes need to have accountability and leadership, consistency with coming to practices and having a positive mindset. It is important to be coachable, meaning listen to your coaches and be consistent every day. Athletes should enjoy the process like what they are doing,” said Coach Mike Johnson.

“I try to give athletes the tools that are necessary to be the best players that they can be. The hardest part of selecting players is looking for the best mix of players that play well together and having to understand that every player that has their own role and goal. It takes time to reach your goals that you are trying to get to and to finish those goals that you want to complete,” explained Coach Jodi Kranich.