Collierville High School offers many different opportunities for students to find their belonging and purpose. While for some this sense of belonging might be found in a sport, club, or community, others find it in a Fine Art. One prime example of these Fine Arts is Color Guard. Although, outside perspectives perceive the sport as just waving a flag, rifle, or saber; there is much more to it. Similarly to many other physical activities, Color Guard calls for strenuous practice, continuous hard work, inspiring leadership, and otherwise elevated expectations.
At the center of these expectations, stand the Captains, who carry most of the team and performances on their backs. The Captains, along with having the group moves to conduct and carry out, they also have solo moves that they must perfect. These Captains are also responsible for making sure the other members are performing to the best of their ability. Accompanying these requirements, these captains have to be able to juggle the constraints of the performances, and practices; they also have to face outside motivators that the other members don’t face as harshly.
Lillie Walker, the overhead captain, explains that “The pressure from the coaches is one of the hardest parts, because they put more [pressure] on certain people.”
Despite these negative pressures, they also to have to make sure they are a good role model and example for their teammates. Commonly, the captains are those with the most experience, and the best guidance skills. In addition, they also must possess the ability to stay positive in uncomfortable or otherwise less than pleasant positions. The positive energy and mindset are vital, not just for the captains own benefit, but also for the motivation and benefit of their teammates. Their enthusiastic and uplifting energy is contagious for the other team members mentality and outlook.
Lana Matthews, the JV captain states, “You have to stay positive and uplift others even when you’re stressed out. That’s what being a captain is about; it’s about uplifting your team and being in charge.”
However, the efforts from the captains to maintain a positive atmosphere are not in vain, as the effect of their positivity and motivation is reflected through their performance and the mentality of the underclassmen. The impact that their positivity has on their teammates is not temporary, either. Their encouragement and optimism are some things that leave a lasting impression on the individuals themselves, even on a personal aspect. The support and love go further beyond the sport itself, allowing the team to feel more connected, akin to a community or a family.
Ava Selecman, a member of the Varsity Color Guard team shares that “My captains are always good role models, and I look up to them. The way they act and the way they are as people motivates me to be better and try my hardest, in and out of the sport.”
Mackiah Toussaint, a member of the JV Color Guard team adds on, “A while back my captain gave me really good advice, saying that I should keep my head high. I’m not sure why, but their words just stuck with me, and now I use the advice all the time.”
Ultimately, the color guard captain is not just a position, it is so much more. It’s a role and responsibility that shapes the entire team, on a broad aspect, but also influencing the individuals themselves. They become someone to lean on, a support system. They’re attitude also helps become a puzzle piece or cornerstone for their community, and environment.
