Beginner-Friendly Sports: JV Programs to Try

Trying a new sport can be incredibly daunting, especially in high school environments where everyone seems to have their “thing.”

For me, that “thing” was tennis, and during my first year on the Circle, I was opposed to trying anything else. So, I hesitated to join Thirds basketball in the winter. I used to love playing pickup basketball, but went into the season scared of judgment and apprehensive of competitive pressure.

Soon, though, I discovered that beginner-friendly JV sports are a staple of our campus culture. They allow students to use the afternoon activity requirement to pursue a sport for fun, community, and a low-pressure environment. In the fall, numerous JV and Thirds sports offer exactly that.

The JV cross-country programs are highly inclusive. JV and Varsity always train and compete together; both girls’ and boys’ teams strive to provide each runner with workouts matched to their experience and fitness levels, all while fostering an uplifting environment where everyone’s successes are celebrated. At races, everybody competes.

This cultivates a sense of camaraderie, conveyed through traditions such as the legendary captains’ practices of Boys’ cross country, their content kept secret by generations upon generations of runners. Younger members of the Groton community often form lasting connections with mentors through cross-country.

Like the cross-country program, soccer is offered for both boys and girls, with Thirds and JV soccer as options for boys, and JV soccer alone as an option for girls. Boys’ Thirds and Girls’ JV soccer are among the most beloved athletic programs at Groton. Suited both for complete beginners and those aspiring to reach higher levels, these programs plan out fun, engaging practices to keep them enjoyable while simultaneously striving to improve players’ games. Like most other JV sports, the culture of these teams ensures a judgment-free zone where all members of the team play—and enjoy playing. In this way, even beginners can experience the program to its fullest.

JV football is another viable option for boys. Similar to the cross-country programs, JV and varsity train together. All, regardless of skill, are welcome to join the football team, which remains one of the largest teams at Groton. The team’s size and leading band of seniors allow JV players to meet many older boys who can serve as role models in their journeys at Groton. Often, those wishing to make it to varsity have a seamless transition.

For girls, both JV volleyball and JV field hockey are great opportunities. The JV volleyball team is on the smaller side, making it highly tight-knit. Their camaraderie has made them known for high energy and spirit on the court. In fact, the JV volleyball team went undefeated in their most recent season. JV field hockey is similarly a small team, composed of both experienced players and those who have never picked up a stick before. This team stands out as a feeder for the varsity squad, partly because all players receive playing time every game, and thus improve tremendously over a season.

At Groton, I ended up having an experience in Thirds basketball that entirely subverted my expectations. Teammates who hadn’t picked a ball up before the program got just as much playing time as those aspiring to become varsity-caliber players. They were cheered on especially loudly when attempting a shot or making a good pass.

The athletic programs at Groton provide a right fit and an open spot for absolutely everyone in absolutely every sport. Students new to the Circle can rest assured that they will find the sport—and the team—right for them.