JV athletes exhibit dedication all around the field
At NPHS, most sports are offered at both the junior varsity [JV] and varsity level. While some JV athletes may have different athletic goals than varsity players, their accomplishments or dedication are no less significant. Playing on JV often goes beyond the stereotype of simply not “being good enough.” For many, JV teams provide the flexibility to pursue other passions alongside athletics, while staying engaged in the sport. It can also provide a welcoming space for students who want to enjoy the game and build a community without the singular focus on competition.
Nearing the finish line of her high school cross country career, Bailey Gilroy, senior, says the pursuit of faster times fuels her drive. “What motivates me to continue doing the sport is when I see a new [personal record] and it really [boosts] my confidence and makes me feel proud of myself for having commitment,” Gilroy said. “I like making my coaches and my parents proud as well.” As someone who has competed at both the JV and varsity levels, Gilroy has noticed differences in attitudes from others. “When I’m running [for the] JV [team] sometimes, I feel like people think that you’re not as dedicated when that’s not necessarily true,” Gilroy said. Gilroy believes runners of all calibers should be treated equally. “Just because we’re not always at the same fitness level doesn’t mean that we don’t deserve the same opportunities,” Gilroy said.
Despite the NPHS football team being nationally ranked and CIF champions, Jonathan Hogstrand, junior, has different motivations for being a part of the team. For Hogstrand, an athlete on the JV team, the game is a great way to have fun with friends. “I had been playing youth football for most of my life, and I just wanted to start it again, honestly,” Hogstrand said. Over the summer, Hogstrand was training to play with the varsity team, but had to go back to JV due to attendance. Despite this, he expresses he is glad to be on JV and sees the differences between the two teams. “Honestly, [JV is] more fun, it’s more laid back…even though [I am] a junior on JV, [I] can still have fun playing a game,” Hogstrand said. Hogstrand has a positive outlook on the sport and is excited to continue the season. “I think everybody should do a sport just to feel [dedication],” Hogstrand said.
Athletic dedication takes form in Jenna Bernard, sophomore, who participates in track and field, wrestling and flag football on campus. Like many other players on JV, she joined the sports for fun and because of her open mind. “I [wondered] what an easy sport to do [would be],’” Bernard said. While Bernard is a tri-sport athlete, her main priority is music and is a part of the NPHS jazz band. “I would rather pursue music than my sports. My sports [are] more recreational and my music is more focused,” Bernard said. Bernard finds that being on JV allows her to pursue her musical interests. “I think being on JV is nice because it gives me the opportunity to still work hard at the sport, but also [have] more flexibility and not as [many] expectations to live up to,” Bernard said. However, Bernard also acknowledges the prejudices people have about JV players. “Even if you’re just learning, people assume that you’re not good at [your sport],” Bernard said.
At all levels of competition, NPHS athletes continue to strive to achieve their own personal goals–whether it be one of athletics, academics or another intent. JV athletes prove that unlike the name suggests, they can be dedicated competitors without the varsity title, and find joy in a sport beyond statistics and rankings. “The biggest misconception about [JV athletes] is that we don’t work as hard, but really some of us work just as hard or harder,” said Gilroy.
