By Preston Mullins, Stentorian Staff Writer
A year ago, I never would’ve imagined I would be at a soccer game in Chapel Hill between Manchester City and Celtic with four great friends, but on July 23, that’s where I found myself! I gained all four of those valuable relationships through a shared love of sports. Whether it was running cross country or watching a Carolina basketball game, we spent lots of quality time together with a common thread – athletics.
NCSSM is a huge adjustment for everyone. For most students, it’s their first time living away from home. In a very academically challenging environment, it’s important to participate in physical activities and make new friends outside of class. Both of these can be accomplished through participating in or supporting school sports. It feels great to get outside and move after a long day of learning and the friendships and camaraderie formed by being part of a team can last a lifetime.
I have made so many great memories with the friends I met through athletics. We got to see some players and the coach of Manchester City up close at the soccer game; I know that moment is something I’ll never forget. It was just another experience I wouldn’t have had if I hadn’t participated in sports at NCSSM.
Don’t just take it from me! I asked Asa Zengerle, a rising NCSSM senior, about the impact sports made on him during his junior year. When posed this question he responded, “Being a part of NCSSM sports has been such a great experience. I played three sports during my junior year (cross-country, basketball, and spring track) and met so many awesome people during each one. My coaches and teammates were all super supportive and everyone on each team was always really competitive while still encouraging their teammates and cheering them on. Sports at NCSSM are one of my favorite things about the school and I’m excited to do them again this year.” Zengerle’s recollection of his experiences is exciting and encouraging to those considering participating in NCSSM athletics.
Being on an NCSSM sports team has extra significance for me. I came from a small early college with no athletic teams, so I was very excited to finally have the opportunity to experience the school spirit and pride of playing for and cheering on my school’s teams. I was not disappointed; I love the electric atmosphere at sporting events and it’s a great feeling to compete with NCSSM printed on my chest. I’m sure that is a sentiment shared by other students as well.
I can still imagine my group of friends huddled together in a cramped room yelling at the computer monitor that displayed a game you could’ve assumed our lives depended upon. College and professional sports bring NCSSM students together (or cause some healthy rivalry) just as much as school sports. It’s clear around campus that sports fans are everywhere. You can see jerseys worn to class and social events, big games on TV screens in hall lounges, and pennants on the walls of students’ rooms. Regardless of where your allegiance lies, you will be able to connect with others who support the same team. This is yet another way to bond with friends throughout your NCSSM experience.
There are so many different ways to immerse yourself in a place like this; the possibilities are endless. My love of sports connected me with so many great people and led to countless friendships and opportunities. If you’re looking for that group of friends you really click with or you’re just searching for a new activity to try, consider giving sports a shot! It will certainly be a decision you won’t regret. Go Unis!
Leave a Reply