Team. Definition a group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport. This is one way to describe us, but there are many others. No matter what, we girl soccer players are a team. How we show it is with spirit. Here at Tripp Middle School, the girls’ soccer team and girls’ field hockey teams show their intensity by dressing alike. Although it shows pride and team spirit, it has been an issue to some staff members at our school.

Both the girls’ soccer and field hockey teams have made it a tradition to dress the same whenever there is a game. There are many different ways you could choose to dress, starting out with your full uniform or even wearing your clothes inside out. One time, towards the end of the season, the girls’ soccer team dressed mismatched and crazy. We wore bright colors, wacky hair, different shoes and altogether mismatched clothing. But there were complaints from various teachers who argued that it was inappropriate to dress as we did and that it did not follow the school dress code. Another example of a conflict that occurred with girls’ sports wardrobe is when the field hockey team had twin day. Two girls on the team decided to wear exotic lime-green wigs and black fake-leather jackets. Some teachers considered this look to be a “costume.”

I along with many other teammates, feel that this disagreement is not valid. I believe that we should be able to dress freely, gaining each other’s confidence. Not only does dressing alike show team dignity and team enthusiasm, but it’s fun to do.

Personally, I think that dressing as a team is a way to bond with each other. When you spend the extra time to act as a team outside of playing on the field, you are more likely to play better in the games because you are more aware of who your teammates really are. I don’t think that teachers and staff realize that wearing matching styles is not all just for fun. We are not playing “dress up.” We are being a team. My hope is that the future kids of Tripp Middle School will be able to dress as they please when supporting their own sports team.

You could call us as a group of players forming one side in a competitive game sport. But, I think that a more appropriate term would be to call us what we really are, a family. We are determined to act as a team. Support your team and your school. Show your team spirit on and off the field!