By Jen Olaco

At Granada Hills Charter High School (GHC),  our athletic teams’ success would not be possible without the help and dedication of each teams’ manager. Student managers help the teams’ coaches to make sure that everything goes according to plan and runs smoothly. Often overlooked, they play an important role on and off the field. 

Senior Mariana Gatus and senior Ximenna Avila are two students who play this important role for GHC’s athletic teams. Gatus works with the girls’ softball and boys’ basketball team while Avila worked with the boys’ football team. 

Being a team manager requires managing to handle multiple tasks, responsibilities, and having good time management. Most of all, they both have acquired a genuine passion for sports and their respective teams. 

Avila was a sports medicine intern for the boys’ football team. In that position, she worked to ensure that the athletic trainer had everything organized and ready to go out on the field. Whether it was assisting the athletic trainer or providing water for the football players, Avila was always willing to go out of her way to help.

“When working with a sports team, I came to learn that you always have to keep your team motivated,” Avila said. “In order to do that, I would talk to some players and give them words of encouragement. I would tell them that they still had time left to change things around and to not give up. I handed them water or electrolytes to keep them hydrated and willing to keep trying for the win.”

One of the biggest challenges that a student team manager faces is keeping up with their academic workload and managing their time with the team. For Gatus, managing two different sports teams can be difficult while also receiving assignments in all her classes. She is a perfect example of someone who works hard everyday and is driven to always do better. 

“I’ve found a balance between managing my academics and being the student team manager for two different sports teams because I’ve gotten used to it since I’ve been doing it since freshman year,” Gatus said. “Traveling with the team, I’ve learned how to communicate with my teachers about how to manage my academic workload.”

Senior and softball player Giselle Merida appreciates Gatus and her hardworking attitude. She makes sure it doesn’t get overlooked and is always showing her gratitude.

“Mariana is a huge help to the team,” Merida said. “She’s always there when we need support, whether it’s with encouragement or making sure we are fed. Her dedication and positive attitude really help motivate us, especially during tough times. It’s clear how much she cares about the team.”

Being the student manager of athletic teams has affected Avila and Gatus personally because they have truly been taught upfront about the power of teamwork, seeing it through their own eyes. They see the teams working together while having fun, which influences them to step outside of their comfort zone. 

“No one could make the introductions for me or make connections so I told myself that this is what I wanted to do so it’s up to me to put myself out there,” Gatus said.

According to Avila, the most rewarding part of her experience was getting the opportunity to meet such amazing people.

“I got the chance to create some amazing friendships that I will never forget,” Avila said. “I learned new skills when it came to helping treat the players along with learning more about football as a sport.”

GHC’s student team managers find that their personal experiences with their sports teams are unforgettable and has taught them many lessons along the way. Experiencing their victories and defeats together inspires them to be better because of seeing the players play their heart out. They value who they are on and off the court.