Starting at a new school can feel daunting, but one of the best ways to connect with your peers is to join a sports team in the afternoon. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or curious to try something new, participating in a sport will be a great decision. That is to say, as the 2025–26 school year comes around, we are thrilled to see the new and old bloods come together and build something new.
Sports have the unique power to unite people. While the competitions themselves are exciting, students form friendships during the little moments—practices, water breaks, and team dinners. The shared strive and celebration of victory naturally leads to lifelong bonds that extend far beyond the field. Joining a team also means meeting students from all forms and backgrounds. In the process, you might find your closest friends even before you learn your way around campus.
Moreover, exercise is a great method to reduce stress and reset your mind from a whole day of classes. As you adjust to a new environment and workload, regular physical activity helps you feel more positive and balanced. Stephanie Mo ’26, co-varsity cross country captain, said, “I really like running after school because it allows me to appreciate the natural scenery around campus and forget about work.” Practice is not only about performance but also a chance to breathe and refocus on the world around you.
Balancing rest, schoolwork, and practices teaches students the valuable lesson of time management. While it may be difficult to navigate in the beginning, pushing through and gaining this skill will set you up for your Groton career and even the future.
Participating in a sport means that you are part of a team. You will be surrounded by teammates, captains, and coaches who are there to support you, on and off the field. While they might seem intimidating at first, people here are determined to help every student thrive. Ella Nannene ’26, co-varsity field hockey captain, wants to say to all new students: “Don’t be afraid to lean on your older teammates because they all just want to help you transition.” Reaching out to them when you are celebrating a win or going through a loss will always be an excellent choice.
It is natural to feel nervous about trying out, especially if you are aiming for varsity. But courage counts more than perfection. You never know what will happen if you do not give it a shot. As William Cai ’26 puts it, “Do not be afraid to try out for varsity. Always try your best, and in the worst case scenario, you get cut from the team and go to junior varsity, which is not even that bad.” Sports at Groton welcome players of all skill levels. You might be surprised by how quickly you improve with dedication. “Almost every captain started on junior varsity,” says Charlie Stubbs ’26.
Above all, sports are supposed to be fun. You will get to travel to games, wear school colors with pride, and make connections with people you will never expect. So, lace up those sneakers, grab a water bottle, and get out there!
