During the first few weeks of school, Wylie High students have been joining and dropping out of the sport programs because of the positive and negative aspects they offer.

The bright side of the programs is what makes the sport successful and able to grow.  This includes the physical benefits the students get out of it.

“My thoughts on the program is that it’s really good for you, and makes you get better, and keeps you in shape,” Yanelle Munoz (9) said. 

Besides the physical benefits, the players have established great connections with one another.

“The people are really nice, and they take care of you,” Nayeli Figueroa (9) said, “It feels like a family.”

A core aspect to the team are the coaches. The coaches are what makes a difference to a player staying or leaving.

“The coaches treat me really good,” Munoz (9) said, “They encourage me and make me get better.”

Even though the coaching is important for a successful team, the drive of the players itself is vital for the team to thrive during the season.

“I joined this program because it has always been my dream to be a soccer player and just be better at the sport,” Munoz (9) said.

However, the love of the sport isn’t enough for the athletes to stay.

“I just had some technicalities with the coach,” Maya Boykins (11) said, “We weren’t agreeing on certain things.”

Even though communication with coaches and athletes can cause the athletes to leave, a negative environment can also be a driving factor.

“We were running 200s in like 105 degree heat,” Boykins (11) said.

The temperature plus the atmosphere during a game or meet can be intense and stressful.

“The coaching’s good,” Boykins (11) said, “It’s just maybe the things you say to athletes after they finish running.”

There can also be a lot of pressure to create a great program.

“The coach wanted us to make it all the way to state, so we were pushed very very hard for no reason,” Boykins (11) said, “We were staying after school everyday, so by the time that it came around for state and finals, we were tired.”

With the stress and pressure, it can be nice to have a good support system.

“They can improve on encouraging and like lifting people up when they’re struggling,” Munoz (9) said.

Sometimes people find a new hobby. It can be fun and different from what they are used to.

“I just play a different sport,” Boykins (11) said, “I’m putting all my energy into powerlifting instead of track.”

At the end of the day, every program has flaws and good things about them that contribute to players joining and leaving the team.