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On the day of a sports game, the crowd cheers on the players and applauds the coaches.

Yet the one unsung hero could be the most important on the team. 

Behind every sports team are team managers. They set up equipment, assist athletes in improving their skills, provide water and necessary supplies and are integral to the team

Managers provide instruction, motivation and support while making themselves useful to the team and the coaches before games and at practice.

Not only do team managers physically help out, they also help out mentally by encouraging players to get in a positive mindset for an upcoming game and help lessen any stress they may be dealing with. 

“I basically help around, help pick up around the team, help them get their mindset for the next games and just keep them motivated,” boy’s football team manager, Natalie Herrera said.

Despite their many tasks and responsibilities, team managers get to know each player individually, building bonds that often flourish into friendships.

“Being a team manager is so fun,” girls volleyball team manager Angelique Chavez said. “You get to talk to a lot of new people and make a lot of friends.” 

Experience isn’t required to manage, but it is highly recommended to have some knowledge in the sport. 

“I grew up playing volleyball and used to play at Van Nuys, but I got cut off because of my health,” Chavez said. “So the opportunity to become a manager and help out the girls was really amazing,” 

Any students can manage their schools’ athletics teams if they meet the GPA requirements, regardless of gender. 

With the right attitude, mindset and experience anyone is more than capable of helping out.

“Being a manager is just less drama and less of a mess,” Herrera said. 

Managing a team of the opposite gender can be nerve racking, as managers might not know what to expect. However, assumptions about disrespect are often unfounded.

“The boys football team always treats me with respect,” Herrera said.

Being a team manager is no easy job. Team managers are expected and responsible for having a good attitude and keeping up their grades to be in their position. They make a great effort to be there for the team when needed.

Team managers are necessary for a good sports program, and though it might be tough sometimes, in the words of girl flag football manager Angela Lopez, it’s always worth it at the end of the day.

“Team managers can really bring down the team or really help a team and so that’s why I try my hardest to do my job right as a manager,” she said.

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2024 print edition.