Jaydin Murphy

Playing a varsity sport can be demanding in and of itself. But, playing a DI varsity sport as a freshman can be even harder.
“I’m proud of the freshman student-athletes representing our school, and I hope their initial experience has been positive,” said Wachusett’s Athletic Director Jennifer Lynch.
Although freshmen on varsity take great pride in their efforts and accomplishments, they often have many other responsibilities relating to academics and personal life.
“It was a lot to balance with school and sports,” said sophomore Rylee Gamache, who played on varsity girls soccer during the 2023-2024 school year.
Conversely, some freshmen did not struggle with time management or become overwhelmed with their duties.
“I wasn’t super stressed most of the time. But, every once in a while balancing everything got tough,” said sophomore Callum Hoey, another student-athlete who played soccer last year.
According to students, not only can balancing school and sports be difficult, but the competition and level of game play can be daunting.
“It is intimidating knowing some of the girls we’re going up against can be three years older than me,” said freshman Stella Morneault: a common worry of freshman athletes on varsity sports teams.
Other athletes, however, said they stay confident when thinking about their opponents.
“The adjustment to the game was easy. I wasn’t intimidated by the older kids. I was confident in myself and my skills,” said hockey player Ethan Bennett, who played on varsity his freshman year.
Another obstacle that freshmen athletes face can be joining a team that has already played together.
The upperclassmen on the teams said playing with and mentoring the younger freshmen can be a great experience.
“We love our freshmen. They fit in so well on the team. I remember my freshman year. It was like having a bunch of older sisters. They’re like our little babies,” said senior Brenna Patenaude, a varsity soccer player.
Junior Jenna Hiller agrees: “The freshmen are good to have on the team. They are a little bit nervous, but we are all as welcoming as possible to them.”
Upperclassmen on the team can also play a role in the experience that these freshmen athletes have.
“My experience was great. I learned a lot that season from both my teammates and coaches. All the upperclassmen on the team were super welcoming too,” said Hoey.
According to coaches, for these young student athletes, actually playing in games can be crucial.
“If these freshmen are on my team, they will play, because I think that is a necessary experience for them to have and learn from during their first season,” said Varsity Volleyball Coach Jennifer Burton.
Some students say playing at such a high level can be difficult, but worth the struggle.
“Even though sometimes it can be stressful playing at varsity level, I love it so much. So far the environment and experience has been great,” said Morneault.
For some of these student-athletes, freshman year can be a great experience. Lots of freshmen varsity athletes take lessons they learn from their first year through all of highschool.
“I think my freshman year was my favorite year on the team,” Patenaude recalls, “Everything was so new, and everyone was so welcoming to me. I just had a great time on the team that year and I have ever since.”