Preseason at Groton is a time of connectivity and improvement for teams. With the introduction of a rigorous theater preseason earlier this year, more students than ever have had the chance to hone skills, bond with teammates, and respect the cleanliness of whatever dorm or house they are staying in. One crucial group, however, has been left out: sports managers.

Surprisingly, there has not yet been any major discussions about allowing managers to participate in a preseason of their own. Without this opportunity, managers unfairly miss out on team bonding sessions, making them feel like they do not fit in with the team. Field Hockey Manager Amos Lawrence, Form of ’24, told the CV, “I just want to be one of the girls.” A manager preseason is not only a socially beneficial proposal, but a necessary one. That is because manager performance has been plummeting all across the board.

Last spring, in an all-student addressed email, the late Ms. Wanger reported that the athletic training room was missing “at least thirty-five water bottles.” It was also reported by several members of the lacrosse team that team manager Kritika Aryal, Form of ’24, affectionately referred to by the team as the “Water Bee,” failed to bring the team water on the hottest days of the year, leaving the players parched. Then, at the end of the season, when the team tried to give her a gift, she skipped the meeting. Clearly, managers have struggled to successfully do their jobs and fit in with their teams. At manager preseason, managing prospects would have a chance to learn and refine the necessary skill of bringing water, as well as other valuable abilities, such as making team playlists. 

Managers are a very important part of athletics at Groton. They believe that they are valuable to their teams, and that they deserve the chance to get better at their crafts. All of the managers that the Circle Voice asked for comment expressed a desire to participate in preseason. Soccer Manager Andres Palacios, Form of ’24, said, “Cam Cunningham went to preseason, and I get the same amount of playing time as him. Why can’t I come?”