https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports Sports related Middle School Forum Questions en-us 2021-03-13 22:04:15 UTC 2025-11-17 10:02:17 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308028337 No, but they're a great way to make friends and de-stress after school. There are a wide variety of sports to choose from, You might actually really enjoy your sport! ]]> 2021-03-14 20:19:38 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308028337 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308028472 Most sports have tryouts, but some are walk on (such as cross country and freshman football); it depends on the team you're trying out for and how many people are interested. ]]> 2021-03-14 20:19:43 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308028472 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308029483 Yes, both Langley and McLean have a JV and Varsity soccer team. It is a co-ed spring sport.]]> 2021-03-14 20:20:22 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308029483 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308029694 Sometimes competitions are during the school week (especially districts/regionals/states) so you may skip a day.]]> 2021-03-14 20:20:30 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308029694 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308036002 Yes, sports will continue to train and compete as long as precautions are taken and no one gets COVID. Masks must always be worn, equipment must always be sanitized, athletes do not get to use locker rooms, and they must fill out a health questionnaire each day prior to practice. If there is a case detected, those in contact are isolated and may not come to practice.]]> 2021-03-14 20:24:34 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308036002 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308038626 disclaimer: this is what I specifically know for my sport and if your travel and high school teams clash that is definitely a decision for you to make with yourself, your workload and your parents since they are going to be the people driving you.
Some tips if you are a multisport athlete:
-prioritize your schoolwork instead of procrastinating
-balance your schedule as much as you can
-utilize Highlander time to do your school work/go ask teachers questions
-this all depends on how club/high school is based on as a priority for your specific sport
For example, my friend who plays basketball says that for her,  the high school team was more of a priority because "if you don't show up you don't play. “ So she chose that over AAU basketball. For me, travel is more important in comparison to high school sports teams.

]]> 2021-03-14 20:26:08 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308038626 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308039065 At McLean Freshman/JV/Varsity team difficulty levels vary. If you are a freshman and you are above the average playing level, there are chances for you to play in a JV or Varsity team.  But, for the most part, most freshman go to the Freshman team and coaches for those teams may take on a few more kids or a few less depending on the sport. (Standard Volleyball team 12 people, Football however has a higher range)]]> 2021-03-14 20:26:26 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308039065 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308056426 McLean has sports for every season, as well as two year-round sports. The fall season hosts cheerleading, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, and volleyball.  The winter season has basketball, gymnastics, indoor track, swim & dive, and wrestling. The spring season is comprised of baseball, crew, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and track & field. Finally, McLean's two year-round athletics are the dance team and athletic training. More info at https://mcleanactivities.org/ ]]> 2021-03-14 20:37:21 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1308056426 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1326622059 Most sports start with tryouts, usually lasting 3 days to a week. After that, sports practice every week day, and most sports also have practices on Saturdays. Practices typically last about two hours. There are also games throughout the week.]]> 2021-03-18 17:04:38 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1326622059 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329628936 Yes! Both Langley and McLean have crew teams. At McLean, Crew is a club sport so it is not a conference sport like basketball or football. There is usually a crew interest meeting in the fall then winter conditioning and in the spring is when you have water practices and that is also when you compete in regattas. Check out the McLean crew website here: https://www.mcleancrew.org/.]]> 2021-03-19 13:13:06 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329628936 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329640061 There is a tennis team at McLean. There usually are tryouts so I don’t think just anyone can join. (Langley also has a tennis team). Check out the McLean Activities website: https://mcleanactivities.org/]]> 2021-03-19 13:15:30 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329640061 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329647746 Yes, however, it isn't as drastic as it may seem. Typically practice last about 2 hours, but can go up to 3 for varsity. Your first sports season may feel different from what you are used to but after a while you get into a rhythm of how to deal with studying and you learn to manage your time better. It’s a perfectly fun aspect of high school so having it be a time commitment should not deter you until after you try it. ]]> 2021-03-19 13:17:12 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329647746 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329657233 Yes you do need to have two credits of gym in high school and those are typically from doing Gym your first two years of high school. You can also choose to do it online over the summer or during the school year, (talk to your counselors if you want more info about these options). Doing it online can free up space for another elective, but also keep in mind that gym is a great way to take a break and socialize with your friends outside of academics in a school day!]]> 2021-03-19 13:19:19 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329657233 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329674629 With COVID this year sports were a little different in a sense where you should email the head coach or look for a sport specific instagram or look at the mclean athletics website. However, usually in school announcements will be made about sports tryouts, sports games, and EC interest meetings so just keep a look out for those!]]> 2021-03-19 13:23:07 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329674629 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329685483 For most sports, tryouts consist of three days and the first two days gauge your level and on the last day  you will be asked to come to a team specific tryout and then at the end cuts are made. If your level of playing matches the level of playing for JV or Varsity then the coach will put you on that team.]]> 2021-03-19 13:25:29 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329685483 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329696318 Yes, this is very common!
Many athletes do track or cross country (no cuts for cross country!) before/after their season either as a means to get in or stay in shape! Or if you just play many sports and they are in different seasons (fall, winter, spring) you can do that too!]]> 2021-03-19 13:27:56 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329696318 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329705631 https://mcleanactivities.org/main/teamschedule/id/3782/seasonid/4607964 Yes! The gymnastics team is considered a winter sport. They are good and won states in 2017.]]> 2021-03-19 13:29:58 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329705631 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329706719 There is no boxing team but yes, there is a wrestling team! It's a winter sport so it will be in the middle of your school year and there are no tryouts but be ready because it is a competitive sport and our team generally does well. https://mcleanactivities.org/]]> 2021-03-19 13:30:12 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329706719 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329710082 No, I know my high school coach brought me up to Varsity as a sophomore but then kept two junior girls on JV. Most of the time the high school coach will do what’s best for the team. Seniority has pull when it comes to picking out jerseys first etc. But if it’s a decision for what’s best for the team, the coach will pull up whomever is best for the team.]]> 2021-03-19 13:30:54 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329710082 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329724501
Every sport is different. If time is an issue for you talk to the head coach before trying out about it to get the practice times. You can always work out a carpool if you need to do that as well! But it’s usually every day except for Sundays and excluding game days. Game days depend on the sport but can range from 1-3 times a week.

]]> 2021-03-19 13:34:07 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329724501 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329734852 Must have all the required forms filled out. Here is a link to find all the forms you need: https://mcleanactivities.org/main/otherad?contentID=30271135
You must be able to handle the time commitment, make sure you’re on the same page with your  coaches, parents and teammates about your schedule.]]> 2021-03-19 13:36:22 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329734852 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329740058 Here is a link to a pdf with all the sports and coaches informstion.
https://mcleanactivities.org/library/files/mcleanactivities_40/files/Mclean%20Coaches%20Info.pdf]]> 2021-03-19 13:37:30 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1329740058 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1330028084 The short answer to this is no- it is not required before trying out. However, if you want to boost your chances of making the team that you are trying out for, it is highly recommended. Most sports have what are called "green days" or "yellow days," which are pre-tryout practices where you can shake off the rust, get into shape, and meet the coaches. From my personal experience, going to as many of these as possibly got me in great shape for the season.  The coach may also email workouts to complete during the weeks prior to tryouts, so make sure you are on the distribution list! (email your coaches!). Check out the McLean Activities website for more details: 
https://mcleanactivities.org/. ]]> 2021-03-19 14:40:23 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1330028084 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1330047987 Most sports are organized into three tiers: Freshman, JV, and Varsity, with Varsity being the most elite level of competition. As the name implies, Freshman teams are comprised of strictly Freshman. Not every sport has Freshman teams; it depends on the number of kids trying out (more kids= more likely to have a freshman team). JV typically consists of Freshman and Sophomores. Varsity, however, consists of Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. The younger classes typically play on Varsity teams if they are extremely talented. As for the requirements, there really are none aside from the fact that you need the required paperwork to participate (Physical, ECC). Sports accept everyone to try out for their teams.]]> 2021-03-19 14:44:47 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1330047987 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1330071441 There is definitely some bias, but age is not a factor. Seniors and upperclassmen in general are typically selected for more elite teams over younger students (like Freshman) due to their higher skill level and experience with the coach/team. However, if your athletic ability is strong, the coaches have no problem replacing seniors with freshman if it means adding a stronger addition to the team. ]]> 2021-03-19 14:49:57 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1330071441 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1330091493 There are two Lacrosse teams- JV and Varsity (roughly 25-30 kids for each team). You don't have to be a certain age to play on either team. Usually, though, the younger classes (Fr. and So.) tend to play on JV while the older classes (Jr. and Sr.) tend to play on Varsity. https://mcleanactivities.org/]]> 2021-03-19 14:54:24 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1330091493 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1330101903 The practice times vary based on your sport. They are typically two hour practices that run in time slots like 3 p.m-5 p.m, 4 p.m-6 p.m, 5 p.m-7 p.m, or 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Varsity teams may have longer practices or different times, and weekend practices are generally mid-day. ]]> 2021-03-19 14:56:41 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1330101903 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1335123661 Everybody is encouraged to tryout for sports they're interested in. If you do not make the team but still want to participate you can see if you could be a team manager. Some sports, such as cross country, don't have cuts. Remember: if you don't make a team your freshmen year, that's ok! You have three seasons left to improve and try again! Research local rec teams, clinics, or training programs if you want to play a sport but you don't make a high school team. You can always try out next year. ]]> 2021-03-21 19:16:59 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1335123661 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1335129709 Anyone across all four grades can tryout. However, upperclassmen typically get priority for Varsity teams.]]> 2021-03-21 19:20:29 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1335129709 16900892 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1335141439 If I could give my rising freshmen-self one piece of advice (specifically regarding sports), it would be to make sure you are reaching out to coaches and making sure you understand the tryout requirements. Don't be afraid to email them with any questions you have! It is better to ask them the questions and establish a conversation than it is to wait till tryouts and realize that you haven't done/don't have the required forms, sign ups, etc. Also make sure you understand what is expected of you if you make a team BEFORE you try out.  ]]> 2021-03-21 19:26:35 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1335141439 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1335143819 These sports are all in different seasons with football in fall, basketball in winter, and lacrosse in the spring. Check out the mclean activities website ]]> 2021-03-21 19:27:53 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1335143819 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1335143887 Yes, sports are typically single season commitments.]]> 2021-03-21 19:27:56 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1335143887 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1335149945 It all depends on the sport. Some sports also have freshman teams, which often don't have any cuts (ie freshman football), so you can participate regardless of your skill level. As for making JV or Varsity, it depends on how many people try out. If you are nervous about not making it, reach out to the coach a couple of weeks prior to try outs and ask what they are looking for in terms of skills or stats/scores, as well as what they recommend doing in order to prepare for the season. Try to also go to out of season practices as well, as this will give you a better idea of how the team works and the coach will get to know you.]]> 2021-03-21 19:31:15 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1335149945 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1335267621 For individual sports, go to the "choosing your sport" slide and click the season, then sport. ]]> 2021-03-21 20:38:48 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1335267621 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1352894360 Yes, there are. Most sports' meets/competitions/games are mandatory if you are on the team, but you may obtain an excused absence.]]> 2021-03-25 13:52:41 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1352894360 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1352952024 If you are interested in a sport, check out the mclean activities website or our slideshow to the right, and email the coach letting them know you are interested and want to be added to the email list. Make sure you are aware of the tryout date, and you show up then.]]> 2021-03-25 14:01:59 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1352952024 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1352969401 It depends on how many people are trying out, however some sports don't have cuts (cross country, freshman football...). To increase your chances, attend out of season practice and email your coaches asking them for what they are looking for and any tips to get ready ]]> 2021-03-25 14:04:55 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1352969401 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1352991612 Most sports practice everyday after school and Saturdays. There are typically 1-2 games/meets a week]]> 2021-03-25 14:08:36 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1352991612 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1353009895 Typically yes, because practices are almost everyday. However, it is possible to balance both club and school sports, and you will quickly get used to the routine.]]> 2021-03-25 14:11:34 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1353009895 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1353024742 In my experience, yes. There is a stronger sense of community and spirit than in club/travel sports.]]> 2021-03-25 14:14:09 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1353024742 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1353098856 Baseball is a spring sport, so look out for tryouts in early spring. For any sport's tryout, check out the mclean activities website or email the coaches.]]> 2021-03-25 14:26:39 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1353098856 https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1353112397 At the beginning of the sports season. Check out the mclean activities website for more info]]> 2021-03-25 14:29:06 UTC https://padlet.com/middle_school_forum/longfellow_sports/wish/1353112397