When it comes to sports, the focus always seems to fixate on the star players, big moments, and plays, but what about the real heroes that work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure this can actually happen? We rarely see the team managers, yet they play a vital role in the success of their teams. From handling logistics, to coordinating schedules they keep both the coaches and players functioning.
Believe it or not, DePaul College Prep has many of these heroes who work very hard to make sure teams run smoothly. They are the glue that holds their team together, making sure they can aid coaches and players’ needs.
Girls varsity lacrosse manager Josephine Drevs, found her love for managing after a serious injury that prevented her from playing in the 2024 season. Drevs still wanted to be a part of the team, so when the role was offered to her she happily took it.
Drev shares how being a manager comes with a lot of responsibilities. “What many people may not realize is we work endless hours to organize schedules, keep statistics, collaborate with coaches, update rosters, and be a positive spirit in both games and practices.”
Drev comes to not only every practice and game, but stays an hour before and after to make sure the team is on top of their duties. “Being a manager is a lot of work, but it is so worth it in the end,” Drev says.
Varsity girls volleyball manager Mateo Rimando, also expressed his appreciation for the role he has on the team. Since Rimando is on the varsity boys volleyball team, he shares that being a manager for the girls team has taught him even more about the sport, and how he can apply the leadership skills he learns into his own playing.
Ramando explained how there is one key attribute that an individual must have if they want to be a successful team manager. “You have to have a lot of patience. When you’re working with such a large group of people, there will inevitably be conflicts, and setbacks. Patience helps you stay calm in these situations and approach it in a way that will help the team as a whole.”
JV girls basketball manager, Nell Bansley, also empathized with the need for not only patience, but energy. She shared how enthusiasm on and off the court can significantly have an impact on players to keep preserving. “It is essential to always cheer, despite the team’s performance,” Bansley states. “Boosting their confidence and pushing them to be their best, affects both their abilities and love for the sport.”
Not only do the team managers feel they have an impact on each of their teams, but the coaches do as well.
Head girls varsity volleyball coach Caroline Gajzler shared that she has so much gratitude for her managers. “Our team managers for the past two years have been fantastic. They are the first ones to jump up and cheer for us, and the last ones to leave the gym.”
Gajzler went on to explain how it was a “no brainer” when deciding if there should be managers for her team. She realized how helpful they were, and the stress that it took off for players and coaches. They were the backbone for their team in times of dire needs and really stepped out and helped.
Gajzler also mentioned that although her team managers now are great, she has struggled with some in the past.
“As a coach it is really important to hold managers accountable and give them responsibility so they can succeed rather than have no significant impact on the team. Gajzler goes on to say that when picking managers who will be the best fit for the girls team she wants to see someone that is “positive, optimistic, open to taking criticism, and truly wants to make a difference in the team’s atmosphere.”
JV girls lacrosse coach, Caleigh O’Neil, further empathizes the effect team managers have had on her team as well. O’Neil states that “Last year we had a game where morale was low. Our team was losing and it was really taking a toll on the team’s confidence, but our team manager stepped in and really hyped up the girls.”
O’Neil goes on to say that after the manager talked to the girls the team started performing even better as a whole, and had more energy as they played.
Overall, team managers have a significant impact on both the team and players. And although they do play a crucial role in fostering a positive team culture and providing guidance among players, they often do not get the credit they sometimes deserve. Most people do not know the true impact a team manager can have on a team, so it’s really important to acknowledge the dedication they put in so players can play to their full potential.
