Even though it feels like school just started, many Lewis & Clark sports teams have already played games and have more approaching. Games can be a nerve-wracking experience — they are the culmination of the hard work athletes put into their sport and a chance for them to perform well for their school and team. Not only is training crucial to prepare for games, but the habits athletes develop right before are important for putting them in the right mindset. We spoke with four athletes from different teams to learn about how they get ready before a game to perform well.
Abby Morrow ’26, Women’s Soccer
Morrow describes her methodical pregame routine as “superstitious.” She puts on all of her gear starting on the left side, then does the right side. To end this routine, she practices mindfulness and focuses on her teammates.
“Finally, I put on my cleats, left, then right. As I lace them up, I do some deep breathing and positive affirmations. From there, I do my favorite thing — braiding some of my teammates’ hair,” Morrow said.
All the players meet before each game to listen to a team playlist together. Morrow loves listening to Megan Thee Stallion to pump her up.
She advises other student-athletes to breathe and not worry too much before games.
“Yes, we have a game, but it’s also an opportunity to show who you are,” Morrow said. “Let all your hard work shine. You’re there for a reason, so enjoy it!”
Max Snowden ’27, Football
Snowden is also particular about his gear — he always wears the same exact undergear, uniform and cleats. He likes to listen to some upbeat music, but nothing too intense. One of his go-to hype songs is “I Got 5 On It” by Luniz and Michael Marshall.
Many players on the team use faith as a source of strength for games. Snowden explained that many of his teammates come together during pregame to pray for their safety. Immediately before games begin, players hold hands and kneel together, which Snowden feels connects them.
“It just keeps us bound together, because a lot of us are religious. It helps us feel like we’re going to be strong and we’re going to be okay,” Snowden said.
Having been on the team for two years, he knows how intense the pressure can feel.
“Only 7% of high school athletes go on to play in college, so at the end of the day, you are obviously good enough to be here. Enjoy every moment of it, it goes by quickly,” Snowden said.
Malia Heien ’26, Cross Country
Heien has several specific rituals to bring her luck in a race. She always orders spaghetti with meatballs the night before and always wears her lucky socks to race. She also listens to her favorite pregame song — “Flashing Lights” by Kanye West and Dwele.
The women’s cross country team has a tradition called “Secret Sisters,” where runners exchange a kind note and gift before each race from an unknown teammate.
While waiting at the starting line, the team huddles together in a circle and shares a positive, affirming statement out loud, which everyone then chants together.
“The affirmation circle makes me feel connected to my teammates, and helps to take some of the nerves away from a race,” Heien said.
Heien knows that there can be a lot of stress right before games and encourages athletes to not get caught up in the anxiety of the moment.
“Try and have as much fun with the people around you as you can before the competition, and trust the work that you have done behind the scenes. My best races have always started with me smiling on the line,” she said.
Owen Carroll ’27, Men’s Soccer
Carroll focuses on cultivating a feeling of calm before games by taking a shower and eating three hours beforehand to avoid being too full. Similar to Morrow, he also always puts his left sock on before his right.
His team likes to listen to music together in the locker room before games as a way to feel connected. For him, music serves a more emotional role.
“I don’t listen to any specific songs, but I listen to songs that remind me of my mom to help me remember why I started playing in the first place,” Carroll said.
He also emphasizes going into games with a positive, levelheaded attitude.
“Try and find ways to get your mind to relax before you play that work for you,” Carroll said.
Evidently, it is not just athletic training that allows LC athletics to succeed. Pregame routines — regardless of how superstitious or unique they may seem — are necessary to put athletes in the right space to play and represent our school well on the field.
About the Author
