By: Isabelle Yang, Staff Writer

Behind every team, there’s a team manager who works just as hard as the players to allow the team to reach their fullest potential at every competition. Despite often being overlooked for the team’s successes, they play a crucial role through their dedicated efforts. Throughout the season, managers uphold multiple responsibilities, ranging from handling paperwork and stats to providing assistance to the coach.

Collin Chen (10), team manager for girls varsity volleyball, began his involvement in the program when the head coach invited him to assist with tryouts during the summer. During the tryout process he ran several drills, allowing the coaches to focus on making important decisions for the upcoming season. Remembering his first couple of days, Chen reminisces, “…that’s when I met the most amazing man in the world – Mr. Barry Tsai.” After a player asked if he would officially become a team manager, Chen decided to ask Mr. Tsai if he could manage for his JV team. 

Now, Chen has been a manager for two years. His main roles include assisting the coaches, taking stats during games, giving advice to players, and running drills at practices. If needed, he also fills in for players in scrimmages and serves as a connection between coaches and players. 

Although he puts a significant amount of time and effort into the team, he enjoys it, as he gets to be around the sport he loves. When asked about the benefits of becoming a manager, Chen highlights, “…free volleyball courts, clothes, food, and I get to spend time with my friends and help them improve.” 

Additionally, Stephy Li (11), one of four team managers for the swim team, describes how being a manager allowed her to meet new people. An added benefit is that many of her friends are on the team, which is why she decided to try becoming a manager. She explains, “[You can] be in that community without having to do the sport.”

Li’s role as team manager for the swim team includes paperwork and setting up equipment. During meets, she tracks every swimmer’s individual times and adds up the points scored for both teams. Li states, “It’s a really crucial part to go to the meets so you can help out…” which emphasizes how important team managers are. 

Both team managers feel that they are included in the community, as they are always engaging and assisting the team throughout the season. Regardless of whether they receive acknowledgment, they are dedicated to their valuable roles contributing to the teams’ successes.