Team morale for the Kennedy Boys Soccer Team begins before the first game or even the first practice. Players bond throughout the season to get to know each other and play better as a team. 

“We bond in a variety of ways, but two stick out to me,” senior Kade Popenhagen said. “Team dinners before games give us a chance to get to know each other outside of a competitive setting. The biggest way we bond is when we play pickup soccer before or during the season. This gives us a chance to get used to each of our play styles.”

Team bonding allows the players to connect and understand each other both on and off the field. Traditions of team dinners and skill games are simple yet effective ways for the players to understand their teammates’ strengths and skills. Understanding their teammates translates to positive team morale and better teamwork overall. 

“We lost a lot of important pieces from last year, so I am excited to play with some new players and skill sets,” Popenhagen said. 

Team bonding not only allows the players to know their teammates better but also themselves. Each player has their own individual needs to play their best before a game.

“As for before warmups, we all do our own thing, for some it’s a nap, others it’s listening to their headphones,” Popenhagen said. 

The team works best by allowing others to do their own thing so they all play to the best of their ability. During warmups, they all find a way to get hyped and raise morale before a competition and come together as a group. 

“We usually have a speaker and a team playlist that we listen to while getting dressed and doing warm-ups,” Popenhagen said. 

Individual and team traditions are essential when it comes to preparing for a game. Pre-game rituals of listening to music and napping are common for the boys soccer team before every game. 

Annual traditions specific to the boys soccer team give them something to look forward to every season. 

“Teacher appreciation night is always a memorable night for us,” Popenhagen said. “It gives us something to look forward to and an opportunity to recognize our favorite teachers.”

Teacher appreciation night follows a player choosing a teacher to recognize at their game. The players and teachers wear matching shirts to indicate their appreciation and support. The special tradition allows the players to thank the teachers who have supported them throughout their soccer season and high school careers. 

“These traditions bring our team closer together and allow us to give back to the school,” Popenhagen said.