A lot of athletes can get superstitious before they step onto the field to play in a game. It could be anything like eating a certain food or wearing a certain color of socks. These routines usually make athletes believe that it helps them win by bringing them good luck even if it has nothing to do with winning at all. Two juniors at Beavercreek High School, Jules Hall and Cody Lairson, were asked about their superstitions before they go into a game.
When Hall was asked what her superstition before her soccer games is, she said that she wears her socks on the opposite feet. She explained that the reason she does this is because once when she was 10 or 11, she accidentally wore her socks on the wrong feet. That same game, she played super well and her team ended up winning. Ever since then, before every game, she puts her right sock on her left foot and her left sock on her right foot. Hall doesn’t think that it works all of the time- only around 40 percent of the time- but she still does it to give her the peace of mind to help her calm down and get ready before an intense, loud, and rowdy soccer game. She also said, “If it does work, I would be a way better soccer player.”
On the other hand, when Lairson was asked about his superstition before playing in one of his lacrosse or football games, he said that he always listens to his sports playlist by himself while getting ready for a game. While warming up, he puts in his headphones, shuffles the playlist, and cancels out the distracting noises of the cheering crowds or the opposing team. This superstition helps him settle his nerves and focus before a game. He said, “It helps me to calm down and lock in for the game.” Lairson started this at the beginning of the lacrosse season his freshman year before his first game and believes that it works 100 percent of the time. He mentioned how overall, this superstition helps him to get mentally ready for a game and it also helps by bringing him peace.
Overall, athletes, no matter what sport they play, have their own superstitions. It could be something more absurd like Halls’ tradition with her switching socks or something less silly like Lairsons’ routine of listening to music. With these superstitions, it can help the athletes feel more prepared and confident to play in a game.
