
Harrison Abber
Varsity Volleyball running drills
At Nobles, sports are an important aspect of a student’s experience. Whether it’s playing pickleball with friends or coxing for the crew team, many people form core memories and meet their best friends during afternoon program.
“I think trying out for the Boys Varsity Soccer team was one of the best decisions I made at Nobles, as I got to know people from all different grades. Playing sports with people and going through challenges that you will go through on any varsity team is very good for developing yourself,” Takoda Mabry (Class IV) said.
The Nobles Cross Country team is an intense commitment, and creating strong bonds between members is one of the key factors of forming a team that is resilient and dedicated.
“I think what was really important this year was defining what the Sisterhood really was, and the pillars of the team. And so [the captains] came up with these three words: legacy, loyalty, and gratitude. That pretty much gets at everything that we stand for,” Kate Blake, a Girls Varsity Cross Country coach, said.
Christina Hall (Class I), one of the captains of the team, uses these principles to guide her team. “We integrate freshmen into the team by making them feel welcomed into the sisterhood and asking them questions about themselves … At school, if someone needs a ride, or if someone wants to get lunch, we try to get to know them and ensure they see us as friends, rather than like seniors or captains,” she said.
Ava Tchong (Class IV) feels welcomed and supported as a new member of the Cross Country team.
“I remember the first day, it was a captain’s practice, and everyone was giving me hugs, even though they didn’t even know me. It was a really welcoming community, and it’s definitely great to be part of a team like that,” she said.
This supportive community leads to more resilience during challenging races.
“We know that we’re there for each other. If I’m tired and really fatigued, then I know my pace pals are right there with me. Sometimes during practices or races, if we see each other falling behind, we encourage each other not to give up,” Tchong said.
Members of the Girls Varsity Volleyball team also state that connection is a core value of their team.
“At the end of every practice, we do a positivity circle, where we all circle up and hold hands, and then we do shout-outs for whoever we’ve seen doing good stuff that day,” Captain Nora Voldins (Class I) said. “On the team, there are people to support you no matter what you’re going through. So you feel comfortable to be open about what you’re going through, and someone will always be there to support you,” she said.
Ernie Schaffer (Class IV) reflects on the positivity circle and the bonds of the team.
“I think after games, when a teammate comes up to me and says I did a good job, it’s rewarding knowing that they notice me,” she said. Schaffer also plays club volleyball and finds it much more intense. “Compared to school, club is a lot more competitive, and a lot of the girls on the team are fighting for spots. [Nobles’ volleyball team] tries to make sure everyone has a good time, rather than competing for positions,” Schaffer said.
“We have [a mantra] that transcends all these years, which is, ‘run for yourselves, run for your mates.’ This is basically the idea that you should be working hard for yourself, but also because you don’t want to let your teammates down,” Boys Varsity Soccer coach Steve Ginsberg said.
He goes on to discuss the principles of the team.
“We will carry ourselves with integrity. We will embrace the Brotherhood. We will be where our feet are. We will have faith and trust in our teammates. So there’s criteria that we all agree upon, and then we try to measure and hold each other accountable,” he adds.
Mabry sees these values being reflected during practices and games.
“You’re doing everything for your teammates, not just for yourself. You’re running, you’re getting in shape so that you can be the best version of yourself, but you can also help your team in a game without being tired. You’re doing everything for yourself and for others,” he said.
At Nobles, sports are more than just games, practices, and wins. They are communities where athletes support one another, push each other, and create lasting memories. From the sisterhood of cross-country to the positivity circles in volleyball and the shared ambition of soccer, each team carries its own traditions, but the heart of each one is the same: no one is left behind. That’s what makes Nobles athletics special. It’s not about the competition, but the connections that carry beyond the field, court, or course.