The title “captain” inherently denotes respect from teammates. It bears a special role and responsibility, carrying an inheritance and creating a legacy for generations later. In the past years, this role has typically been reserved for a senior, but the Class of 2027 has shown the Hockaday community that it is possible to step into this leadership position.
This year, eight juniors have earned their way into the role for their teams.
For cross country captain Elle Mayrosh, she chose to run when she saw an open opportunity.
“I decided to run because there was only one senior, and I had really enjoyed the past few cross-country seasons,” Mayrosh said. “I felt nervous that me running would not be well received because I was unable to compete during the season due to an injury.”
The team, however, encouraged her as she was competing for her captain position.
“My team made me feel supported while I was running for captain because they told me that they saw me as an important part of the team,” Mayrosh said.
Volleyball captain Mila Haffar said the team culture supports her as captain.
“HVVB has a super close, supportive culture and I definitely feel like everyone does their job in picking each other up,” Haffar said. “Whether it’s during a game, at a travel tournament, or even in class with a teammate, I think every girl on the team really supports and encourages each other to do their best.”
Embodying new roles, basketball captains Lauren Haas and Lucia Ubiñas share a common goal of preparing, encouraging and leading their team at SPC.
“I’m excited to take on a new role in the team, start some new traditions and help lead our team to have an amazing, fun and successful season, with hopefully a good result at SPC,” Ubiñas said. “Just having a good run throughout the year – I want to help with the team chemistry and help everyone have a great experience on the basketball team.”
Having fun is a common thread that the captains value and one that connects teams across seasons. Mayrosh understands the importance of cultivating excitement for her team, but she also recognizes the time commitment that comes with executing her plans.
“I am looking forward to having a lot of fun at meets and practices and being able to plan fun things,” Mayrosh said.
So far during her time as captain, she said she has learned that people will come to cross country if there is an aspect of fun themes or activities to make it an overall more enjoyable experience for her team.
However, Mayrosh also realizes the difficulties that accompany being a captain her junior year.
“Junior year is harder than sophomore year or freshman year,” Mayrosh said. “So it’s a big ramp up in schoolwork, having to balance doing cross country and being captain at the same time.”
Haas also understands that challenges with captaining.
“I think the main challenge will be having less high school basketball experience compared to a senior,” Haas said.
However, Haas explains she will have more energy and time to lead the team.
For juniors considering a leadership role, Ubiñas emphasizes the value of learning from the upperclassmen.
“Being a junior captain may seem a bit unorthodox, but in the past two years, I have had great role models in the previous basketball captains and field hockey captains,” Ubiñas said. “I know what the captains have been able to do, and I hope I can encourage my teammates as best as possible in games and in SPC.”
