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Sports teams at UHS require tryouts for students to join the team. While some protest that tryouts create a non-inclusive and stress-inducing atmosphere, they actually create a successful team by assessing students’ abilities, experience and potential. Many coaches also note each player’s willingness to participate and engage with potential teammates. Despite some schools pushing back against tryouts because of inclusivity, holding tryouts for potential athletes benefits both individuals and the team. 

For first-time athletes, tryouts provide the opportunity to experience what it would be like to play that sport. Tryouts can also be a great opportunity for students to bond with other peers interested in the same sport. Additionally, tryouts allow students to meet with their future coaches and demonstrate commitment to the sport.

“Tryouts help assemble a team by connecting future athletes with the sport,” freshman Nouran Almallah said. “When trying out for water polo, I had to go through many tough exercises that pushed my abilities and made sure I was fit for the sport.”

Although high school sports tryouts can be scary for some people, the benefit of making the team is certainly worth the effort. Students can concentrate on the game and have fun with their teammates once they get over the fear of not being qualified.

“Tryouts are important to see and pick the right people to be [on] a team,” freshman Hanin Aliyazidi said. “It’s to see how they play among their [potential] teammates.” 

Aliyazidi, a member of UHS lacrosse, flag football and water polo, is no stranger to trying out. 

During tryouts, coaches can get a sense of what that student is capable of and what they have already mastered. Tryouts also show students’ mental capabilities and how far they are willing to go for the success of themselves and their teams. The mental aspect greatly impacts an athlete’s overall performance and ability to contribute to the sport. Students that show determination, motivation and willingness to become better athletes are often selected for the sport. All these factors can help the coach create a team that is ready to succeed. 

On the other hand, not holding tryouts allows students to have more opportunities to start fresh with a new sport. Oftentimes, many new players are intimidated by the tryout process and are afraid they won’t make the team. Fortunately, because they are in the company of other inexperienced players, newer students can feel more comfortable during tryouts. 

“It’s frustrating, especially if you don’t know anyone who is trying out as well, but when you actually get started in the sport, you really enjoy it and become part of the team,” Aliyazidi said. 

Ultimately, tryouts can be a great experience for new and returning players. The environment established during the tryout process gives students something to look forward to and be excited about. Furthermore, tryouts give coaches a real sense of their player’s ability and commitment. Sports tryouts contribute to the success of individual players, as well as the whole team.