From blasting their favorite song to wearing lucky clothes, athletes across all sports follow superstitions they believe give them an edge before the game.
Some athletes have a go-to outfit they like to wear before playing, giving them a sense of confidence and helping them get into the right mindset. It could be a specific shirt, socks or even a certain color. For these athletes, it is not only about comfort but also about feeling a sense of control before a game.
“For flag football games, I only wear my white clothes,” freshman Elise Howard said.
Few things get people more hyped up than music. Listening to music is a common way athletes like to decompress and relax before a game. It could be upbeat pop music or even classical jazz. The right song can really set the tone for an athlete before a game.
“I always listen to music before a game,” senior Isaiah Farmer said.
Having the right equipment is an important superstition for most athletes. Wearing a specific brand or a certain pair of cleats can give athletes a sense of readiness and assurance.
“If your singlet isn’t pulled down all the way, you’re not going to perform well,” senior Sterling Hollingsworth said.
While most of these superstitions seem fairly ordinary, some athletes prefer more unique methods to prepare for their games.
“I heard people put their hands in cold water and peel their skin off,” Farmer said.
In the end, all of these pregame rituals help athletes steel their nerves and feel in control before stepping in front of the crowd and onto the field or court. Regardless of how common or uncommon these practices may be, they are all part of the process for athletes paving the way to victory.
