In the world of high school athletics, there’s an established hierarchy — upperclassmen lead, underclassmen follow. However, this dynamic should be far more than a simple power structure. The role of upperclassmen on sports teams is crucial not only for maintaining leadership and guiding younger players but also for fostering a team culture that balances experience with new talent, ultimately leading to the overall success of the team.
To me, defined roles on teams are vital because upperclassmen hold the responsibility of mentoring the underclassmen who are still adapting to the new high school culture. A prime example of this is the Menlo varsity boys basketball team, where the seniors’ leadership, mentorship and ability to set a positive example directly impact both the performance and cohesion of the entire team, making their influence vital for the performance of individuals and the team all together.
Senior Arman Shah said it best: “It’s the role of seniors to be leaders and really make sure that they’re a support system for underclassmen taking a leadership role, explaining to them what to do and giving them advice that coaches can’t always provide.”
This mentorship is not only essential for helping underclassmen feel more comfortable, but also ensuring the entire team functions properly. Underclassmen, especially those who are new to the competitive varsity sports dynamics, often struggle with the pressure of being on the team; underclassmen need the guidance from their seniors to find their footing and ease into the responsibilities.
Junior basketball captain Ethan Zhao agrees. “Leadership is important because in the game of basketball, it’s a team sport. It relies on a lot of cooperation and communication within your teammates especially in times of adversity,” Zhao said.
Without this sense of communication and unity, no team can function cohesively. This sense of togetherness, especially during moments of pressure or conflict, plays an important role in fostering relationships of collaboration.
“The most rewarding part of joining the [basketball] team as a freshman has been creating these bonds and relationships with the upperclassmen that most people don’t usually hold,” freshman Tres Onyejekwe said. “Whether it’s talking on the senior and junior quads with them, or our team trip, I feel very comfortable around them and I’m lucky to have them in my life.”
The atmosphere of mentorship provided by the upperclassmen extends beyond basketball skills. It’s about shaping the overall experience of being in a team setting and cultivating an environment of tight-knit relationships. It’s especially vital for the seniors to stay focused and continue to lead the underclassmen by example. “Sometimes we get a couple of upperclassmen where they have one foot out the door. They realize their time’s going to be up so they don’t really care what the future of the program looks like,” varsity girls lacrosse and volleyball coach Quinn Holland said.
This mentality can have big impacts on the team cohesion as a whole. “In situations where upperclassmen aren’t giving their full effort, […] I’d have to take on the responsibility of helping lead the team and my teammates as well,” Onyejekwe said. “Realizing when to step down at other times and knowing when they need to teach me things as well is something I think is essential for our overall teamwork.”
The difference between having leaders who are just racing through the finish line versus leaders who take the extra time to support their teammates and create these valuable relationships is clear when it comes to the conquest of the team. It establishes a culture built on trust and respect for every single person on the team, creating more opportunities for their team to win in more ways than one.
Mutual respect is crucial when it comes to a successful team. “When there’s a lack of respect, sometimes you don’t trust your teammates and sometimes it can lead to conflict. When you’re on the court together, you’re basically playing for each other as brothers, so having a strong team dynamic makes it easier to play more efficiently and effectively,” Shah said.
The impact of these seniors go far beyond stat sheets or final scores of games; they’re the core of a team’s culture. Through mentorship and example, they create an environment where both experienced and new players can thrive, grow and benefit the team. The underclassmen get to see and understand their future responsibilities through those who have the most influence over them: their own teammates. These seniors, guiding and leading their teams, are a crucial part in separating a cohesive team from just a group of people playing a sport.
“There’s something that has to be said about the way you carry yourself, which influences the underclassmen who look up to you, […] especially since they’re going to be the faces of Menlo basketball in the future,” Cohen said.
