Many GA student-athletes utilize the sports program offered at school. Some do more sports outside of school which helps them practice more than one season. GA team members find themselves doing outside-of-school club sports to improve during their off-season.
Quinlan Rink ‘26 is part of an outside-of-school club, playing soccer for HEX FC club team.
“I started playing club soccer when I was 4 years old because my dad loved soccer and encouraged me to play,” Rink said.
Club sports help strengthen skills that go further than just on the field.
“Soccer has taught me skills like teamwork, discipline, and time management,” Rink said. “I have applied these skills into group projects, staying focused on getting my schoolwork done, and balancing my time with academics and soccer.”
Apart from its athletic components, club sports offer connections with peer athletes.
“Playing club soccer has helped me physically by keeping me active and healthy,” Rink said. “But also socially by building friendships and communication skills and mentally by improving my focus and resilience”
Many students from GA take their skills to club teams not just to keep playing in the off-season, but also because of the atmosphere. The volleyball team at GA has many players who continue playing in the off-season with TNT volleyball.
Emily Pokorny ‘26 has played for TNT volleyball for three years.
“I knew I wanted to play for TNT volleyball specifically because my older sister played for them, and had such a good time with them playing and making new friends,” Pokorny said. “I knew I wanted to experience the same positive thing.”
Club sports help students create new experiences and venture outside of their everyday lives at GA. The club sports atmosphere brings together players from different schools and helps them develop skills that may have not been found without a club team.
Rosie Cassidy ‘26 is going into her 3rd year of playing at Mavericks water polo club.
“I have learned about the importance of being a good teammate,” Cassidy said. “I have learned to be more selfless and sit back while my teammates have their moments. It’s also connected me with so many new people from so many schools across the area.”
Club sports offer experience for a sport that goes beyond technical training.
“I learned how to deal with losses, step in when a teammate is injured or help is needed anywhere, and lastly how to comfort my teammates when things go wrong,” Pokorny said. “I have brought these experiences not only to the GA volleyball team, but also into my outside life in general.”
Because GA sports only last one season, athletes seek to continue their sport to prepare for the school season the next year. Club teams give these athletes the chance to continue developing their skills during the off-season.
“Playing a club sport has helped me stay in shape all year and always provided an opportunity to stay active,” Cassidy said.
Club teams often consist of players who are dedicated to their sport and when athletes compete at a higher level outside of school it can be a different experience than at GA.
“Playing with such talented people, sometimes it was hard not to make as many contributions as them, or not as many contributions as I would make on GA’s team,” Cassidy said. “But I learned quickly to have a better mindset on that front. I have brought this mindset with me to GA and all aspects of life.”
Athletes competing in outside-of-school sports bring many positive skills to the GA athletic and academic communities.