Nearly every major accomplishment or event is documented on social media. High school sports are no exception. Sports teams have gone as far as having a designated role for social media managers who report on games, team gatherings and more.

Most professional sports teams and sports leagues have their own social media accounts. Over the past years, the school has followed suit, with every sport having its own Instagram account. Captains gain access to them throughout their season, but some teams have their own social media managers.
Volleyball player Naomi Mann recently stepped into the social media manager role after an injury.

“I started doing it about a couple weeks ago, but I just do it during games. I’ll video certain points, like if we get a good kill or an ace or we do something impressive,” she said.

Social media usage isn’t used only to rally internal support, but also to encourage spectators to come to games.

Cross country captain Leah Passe enjoys posting to increase support for cross country runners.

“Letting people know when our meets are, or when there’s events that they could maybe show up to to gain more support for the team and our events … is really nice to help draw support for the team,” she said.

For most students who don’t play a fall sport or run the accounts, just viewing posts can help strengthen friendships.

Junior Mati Halloran explained his perspective on sports social media content.

“It reminds me to talk to my friends about the games, how it went, for example, and keeps me updated on things that my friends talk about in class.”
Even if students are unable to attend games, social media gives them insight on what it’s like to be part of the team.

“I think it keeps everyone more connected, and even if you’re not on the team, you feel a little bit more informed,” Halloran said.

Additionally, the accounts showcase a unique side of the team that may not otherwise be shown.

“You can get a feel of what it’s like to be sitting on the bench, and how it’s super exciting. It’s energized, and especially because we put [up] videos of big points, so people are celebrating, and kind of see, like, how we come together,” Mann said.

Passe believes posting online not only helps school unity, but also brings the teams together.

“To be able to have [photos] in front of me and recognize that we do have that team bond is a constant reminder of how I have a lot of people there on my team who aren’t just my teammates, but they’re my friends. They’re like my little cross country family,” Passe said.

The mere act of having an Instagram account may seem trivial in regard to high school, but it can promote a surprising amount of togetherness in teams and around the broader community. Though the implications of social media are often a source of debate, for many fall teams, the platform gives light to the bonds created through sports, promoting team and school spirit.