That's a Wrap: Fall Sports Photos and Athletes' Rituals
Top image: The women’s hockey team cheers on the field hockey team in their 2-1 win against Wesleyan.
Kamau Hopewell ’26, Football
Position: Running Back
Pre-game Meals: The night before, dinner at Commons. The morning of a game, eggs, potatoes, and pineapple.
Pre-game Ritual: “I read over the play sheet while listening to Future and Chief Keef. I imagine myself playing the best while sitting at my locker to pump myself up.”
Last-Minute Thought: “As I’m lining up for my first play, I focus on my assignment and going 200%.”
Kendall Scholz ’26, Volleyball
Position: Outside Hitter
Pre-game Meal: Bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel.
Pre-game Ritual: Pigtails. “It’s been my trademark hairstyle since I was a junior in high school.”
Warm-up Routine: “I always go to the trainer and warm up my shoulders and back before every game.”
Playlist: Kelly Clarkson and Benson Boone.
Superstitions: “I high-five my teammates in the same order before every point and between sets.”
Last-minute Thought: “I am grateful for my teammates and the fact that I’m able to play this sport at this level. Having been working to this point for so many years, I’m so grateful for all of the relationships I’ve created along the way.”
Lilly Truchon ’26, Field Hockey
Position: Midfield
Pre-game Meal: Iced coffee in the morning and then peanut-butter-and-banana toast before heading to the locker room.
Mental Prep: Watch film the night before and on game day listen to the same playlist while getting ready. “I try to visualize myself on the field against our opponent and picture our team having success.”
Pre-game Ritual: “I always get my hair braided and go walk to find a quiet place to stretch.”
Warm-up Routine: “We walk down to the field as a team to the same walk-out song each year and then get excited to play with an awesome playlist made by fellow teammate Becky Felker ’26.”
Team Cheer: “1, 2, Blue!”
Aedan Burke ’26, Soccer
Position: Striker/Winger
Pre-game Meal: Bagel with eggs and potatoes, and always two bananas.
Warm-up Routine: Jog across the field and back, once without and once with the ball. “I’ll take some shots on goal by myself before starting the warm-up with the team.”
Playlist: Gunna, Playboi Carti, and Lil Tecca. “Music is a huge motivator for me to get locked in for a tough game.”
Superstitions: “Our team takes a moment before we walk out to the field to say a prayer or thought, and I take the time to be grateful to have the opportunity to play the game I love with a group of close friends, as well as thinking about who and what I’m thankful for for bringing me to this moment.”
Last-minute Thought: “Be confident, have fun, and what’s the first thing I’ll do to make an impact in the game, whether it’s making a pass, making a tackle, or working hard to win the ball for our team.”
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