Wakefield’s indoor track team holds great responsibility when cultivating a unique chemistry among teammates, while also maintaining the physical and mental skills required to excel on the track. Like many other sports, the indoor track team must meet high physical demands to succeed. However, there are many behind-the-scenes challenges such as mindset, confidence and peer relationships that the team must balance in order to be successful both on and off of the track.
Oftentimes, an athlete’s mindset may hold them back from accomplishing feats that they are capable of. Perspective and motivation are much larger factors regarding success than people might think, especially within indoor track. Ima Paul, a junior who has been on the track team since her freshman year, reflects on why it is so important for her to treat her mental health equally as important to her physical health.
“Sometimes your body is capable of doing something,” Paul said. “But if your mind is discouraging you and putting you down, then it can be hard to push past it. Having a support system and people to motivate you definitely helps mentally.”
As mentioned previously, Paul believes that having people around her is also a huge factor in her success. Having stable relationships and positive social interactions with peers can be more impactful than they appear.
“We always have to be there for each other,” Paul said. “ Especially when we do things like relays, it’s really important to have some sort of bond with your teammates.”
Having a steady routine prior to a meet, as well as maintaining personal traditions and rituals, are important to Zuri Davis, a senior who has been on the team since her freshman year. Davis reflects on her rituals that help her get in the right mindset before a meet.
“I always listen to a song called ‘Always and Forever,’” Davis said. “I also pray before every meet.”
Support is an essential part of success for all athletes. Having the reassurance of coaches and teammates can help to motivate athletes and boost their self-confidence, leading them to perform better. Davis explains the important role that a coach’s encouragement plays in the success of individual athletes.
“[Coach Adams] is very supportive,” Davis said. “She always brings a positive energy that motivates me while I am competing.”
The team’s time spent together before and after meets allows them to cultivate a unique chemistry. Senior Nyah Adair, who has been on the team since her freshman year, values her close relationship with her teammates. Adair reflects on how her connection with her teammates helps her individual performance on track.
“Each of us supports one another,” Adair said. “Whether we are racing a relay together or just cheering each other on. Just hearing the cheers from your teammates can make you feel like you can push harder and faster than before.”
In essence, Wakefield’s indoor track team excels in overcoming mental challenges. The team uses their tight-knit relationships and pure friendships as their main source of motivation and inspiration.
“There are tons of challenges that I face on track,” Davis said. “There are always moments at meets where I wonder whether or not I will perform well, and I have to be able to block those thoughts out with the help of my coach and teammates.”
