When the pressure is on, student athletes lead the way

By Sarah McDonough

Co-Managing and Advertising Editor

With the number of students attending SMU sporting events on the rise, it is no surprise that student athletes want to perform to the best of their abilities and continue to please fans. But who does the motivating off the court, away from the ice, and out of the pool when it’s needed most? At the end of the day, this responsibility rests on the shoulders of the team captain.

The title of captain alone exudes the feeling of being well-liked by teammates, but what are the other qualities needed to help bring out the best in a team?

“This is my first season as captain and I guess I didn’t realize how much more of a time commitment it was going to be,” said junior Vincent Unklesbay, one of the men’s varsity hockey captains.

“Besides normal practices, you are now planning team workouts and helping mediate issues as they come along…more effort in keeping things going in the right direction for the team,” said Unklesbay.

Entering her fourth year as a player on the women’s basketball team, senior Cherie Kulig earned the honor of being selected team captain for the second year in a row. The role wasn’t given to her simply for the skills she possesses on the court, but also on how she prides herself on leading her teammates by example.

“If others see you work hard, they will too,” said Kulig. “Some practices are good days and others can be bad but it takes someone to bring everyone together and refocus.”

This motto rings true for junior Nicole Olson, who begins her third season on the women’s hockey team but her second season voted into a “communicator role,” a term used by the team that is equivalent to being a team captain.

“I have to set the example of doing well in school by getting good grades but also the importance of [our team] supporting SMU by being at [other teams’] sporting events,” said Olson.

“This is a privilege to be on the team, it’s something not everyone can be a part of and because of that we are held to a higher standard. You are constantly representing your team and the University,” said Olson, a message that many captains communicate to their teammates.

“Sometimes you have to be hard on [your teammates], but five minutes later you’re back to being best friends,” said senior Lukas Holland, fourth year starting athlete on the men’s basketball team. This season marks his second as being selected captain for the team. A standout quality he views as important for captains is the ability to tell it like it is.

“As I matured as an athlete I realized it’s not so much for you as it is for the better of the team,” said Holland.

With the increased time commitment and the pressure to always perform above average, some may wonder of the benefits of being a captain.

“It’s cool to see freshman start to look up to you,” said Holland. “It’s a huge step from playing in high school and transitioning to the college level and to see them begin taking on those leadership qualities is cool.”