What to Do If You Love Your School Sport But Can’t Stand Your Team
Sports teams can be one of the highlights of high school.
They teach you teamwork, build camaraderie and can create long lasting friendships… that is, if you get along with your teammates. While the fairytale version where you love everyone on your team, you all go to the same college together and stay BFFs for life sounds lovely, it's not entirely realistic. You won't always gel with everyone. Competition amongst your teammates can run rampant. Even worse, what if you just can't stand your team?
If you find yourself in this predicament, read on for our tips on how to cope.
(via Unsplash)
Focus on Your Own Improvement
The easiest way to take your mind off of poor team spirit is to really focus on your own improvement. If you love your sport, then burying yourself in extra training to be your best at it should be fun and a no-brainer. The more you practice, the better you'll get, which will also help increase your chances playing after high school, in college and beyond.
Practice Patience
Patience is a virtue, they say. And there's no better way to exercise your patience skills than with a team that gets under your skin. The more patience you're able to develop, the farther you'll go.
Host a Team Bonding Event
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em—at least that's how the saying goes. Regardless of your feelings towards your other teammates, you all have a job to do, and that's to perform and play well together. While you might not love their political stance or their attitude off-field, you can develop a bond on the field or court.
Find a Mentor
You know who gives good advice? People who have experience. Finding a mentor—whether it's a school counselor, older sibling, friend or relative—can be really helpful navigating these types of situations. They can offer perspective, ways to deal, and they can lend an ear when you need to vent.
Speaking of sports, HERE's what happens when you work out in a $6 pair of leggings.