Stronger Together – My Experience as a Male Practice Player
At Wesleyan, I have the privilege of being a part of the men’s soccer team, but my experience as a college athlete extends beyond just my own sport. One of the most rewarding opportunities I’ve had was being a male practice player for the Wesleyan women’s basketball team. As a member of “Team Opps,” our role was to challenge the team in practice, push them to their limits, and serve as the scout team before game day. This experience allowed me to contribute to another team in a meaningful way, and I loved every minute of it.
Adapting, Learning, and Elevating the Team
Being a part of Team Opps required me to adapt my game and mindset to best prepare the women’s team for their upcoming opponents. We would play as the next opponent, learning and ruining opposing team plays on offense and defense. These different playing styles gave them the most realistic competition possible. This experience sharpened my basketball IQ, built new relationships with some amazing female athletes, and reinforced the value of teamwork and sacrifice.
It was about making the team better! Whether running full-court defensive sets, executing offensive plays, or simply bringing intensity to practice, every role we played had a purpose. Seeing the women’s team improve and compete in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), knowing we played a small part in their success, made the work feel even more meaningful
The Reward of Contributing to Something Bigger
As a college athlete, I understand the commitment, passion, and sacrifice that goes into competing at a high level, and being able to support another team in their journey was incredibly special and I will never forget it. This experience has reinforced my belief that success isn’t just about personal achievement it’s about the impact you have on those around you. The lessons I’ve learned from being a part of Team Opps: dedication, adaptability, and selflessness, are all qualities I will carry with me into any future endeavors. Whether on the field, on the court, or in the workplace, I know that my ability to contribute, support, and elevate those around me will always be one of my greatest strengths.
Secret Vid: https://youtube.com/shorts/tVipo6FKAy0?feature=share
