As the Vipers Class of 2027 adjust to high school, many have chosen to play fall sports for NDB. With so many sports offered, the freshmen have a variety of options to choose from based on their talents and interests. Engaging in on-campus sports provides freshmen with the opportunity to meet other students, including both other Vipers and upperclassmen. It also keeps them in shape throughout the year and allows them to use sports as a break from school.
In the fall season, NDB offers their largest number of sports, including cross country, golf, tennis, water polo, volleyball, flag football and spirit squad. Flag football is the newest addition to the list and cheer and pom are the only year-round sports available.
Although some sports can require more prior involvement than others, previous experience is not always necessary. Freshman Arden Enright tried out for NDB’s water polo team and eventually landed on the varsity team.
“I actually just started this year because my brother plays at Serra and my sister played for her high school and my dad played for his, too,” shared Enright.
While many NDB freshmen are able to begin playing any sport during their time in high school, some of these sports require the athlete to have played in the past. NDB’s volleyball program is one of its most competitive sports. Prior knowledge and experience in the activity is recommended to have a fair shot at making one of the three teams.
Sammy Kakala, a freshman volleyball player, has had past experience in her sport, making her an equipped fit for NDB’s JV team.
“I started playing volleyball in seventh grade. I only played for school, seventh and eighth, and then this is my first time actually doing rotations and things like that,” said Kakala.
NDB uses its weight room system to ensure that all incoming athletes, for all sports, are prepared and ready to play the sport of their choice. NDB’s Weight Room, moderated by Strengthening and Conditioning Coach Kate Mahoney, is open for drop-in appointments all throughout the summer. The weight room allows for the students to get back into shape before tryouts begin. Mahoney prepares sport-specific workouts to help align the athletes goals with that of their sport and team. This helps all members stay on track and reach their collective goals as a team before their seasons begin. In the summer weight room drop ins, many girls are able to meet their incoming peers and possible teammates, making it a great way to get involved on-campus.
While being a student-athlete is a significant responsibility, finding a balance between both school and sports can be used to a student’s advantage, especially so early on. To many, sports serve as a distraction from the busy schedules and lives surrounding students. The daily practices, multiple weekly games, and travel tournaments act before their first scrimmage. as an interactive way to exercise good mental health practices early on.
Freshman Cross Country Runner Bea Bakken joined the JV team at NDB in the fall.
“Technically, I haven’t done running competitively at all until this year, but I’ve been running since sixth grade and I like it a lot,” said Bakken. “It’s really relaxing and my first year was this year.”
Many freshmen student-athletes are able to responsibly balance school and sports simultaneously. Although it can be an adjustment, getting involved in sports at NDB allows the Vipers to remain active throughout the year, interact with peers and students from other grades and offers an outlet from the often demanding academic days throughout the week.
