Coaches are always harping on their players to put the team first. Little did junior soccer players Jade Myers and Maddie Spiker know that their allegiance to this Team First philosophy would be put to the test this season.
Season ending ACL injuries meant no less commitment for Myers and Spiker. The pair remain a part of the sport because of their love for the team. The pure joy they receive as a result of helping others completely outweighs the pain that the sport has caused them, a true devotion to the destiny of Mason soccer.
The pair are seeing a different side of the game they love from the sidelines as student coaches. Head coach Andy Schur said the girls have the same work ethic and willingness they did as players.
“We dropped the team manager title and went with student coaches because we feel really positively about the knowledge they bring to the team,” Schur said. “They are both really hard workers and have been willing to take on some of those traditional manager roles that a lot of kids wouldn’t,”
Schur said Myers and Spiker make the head coach’s job more efficient through their assistance with virtually every aspect of practices.
“During practice they administer drills so we can coach,” Schur said. “They do more than I am even aware of. They do ice baths for us, they grab the trainers if the girls need them, they fill the role of a great teammate.”
Myers and Spiker don’t let the injury spoil their love for the sport as they continue to go out each week, assisting with practice set-up and games. Myers goes as far as taking notes at games on aspects that could be improved.
“I still wanted to be apart of the team and do everything I could to help them succeed even when I wasn’t playing,” Myers said.
The job gave the two new perspective on the game. It allowed them to see the power in and appreciate each position on the field. Rather than thinking solely about their role, the new job has enhanced their understanding of what it means to be part of a team.
“You’re not focused on simply your position but rather how the game is played as a whole” Spiker said.
It’s not just the coaching staff that has noticed the contributions the pair makes to the team; juniors Annie Metzger and McKenna Egan both took note of how the pair stays involved with the team.
“On the sidelines they watch us play and keep stats so it’s a different perspective than the coaches are able to have,” said Egan.
Metzger said that Myers has used her ACL injury to teach her teammates about injury prevention and therapy.
“Jade leads the rehab and prevention activities,” Metzger said. “She cares about others and it shows in so many ways.”
Myers and Spiker both agreed the position was a way for them to stay involved with the team in preparation for their optimistic return. Spiker hopes the lessons she’s learned will help when it’s her turn to take back the turf. Both girls are determined to make a comeback their senior year.
“I wanted to be a part of the team, no matter the circumstance, so it was a no-brainer to fulfill this role,” Spiker said.
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