Have you ever scored the game winning point and swore it was strictly because of that one lucky item you never play without? Then you happen to be a part of the 55 percent of athletes who have a superstition in sports. Simple things like lucky socks, pre-game handshakes, or specific routines before games play a crucial role in athletes performance, these superstitious athletes say.
In the sports world, superstitions play a drastic role in athletes’ performance; from D1 all stars to the high school JV warriors, almost everyone has pre-game rituals. These can be lucky charms that are gross but essential like wearing the same socks or simple like a handshake or listening to your hype song. Sure, there isn’t scientific proof that these superstitions work, but hey, they give athletes the sense of confidence and control they need before a game.
In an interview with the Triton Voice, several Viking athletes shared their superstitions.
Triton volleyball libero Janey LeBlanc, claims, “Before serving I set the ball three times at the ground, for people who don’t know that means just bouncing it, and then I serve it. I am the first person to serve for Triton every game and this gets me in the right mindset.”
Triton soccer player Bella Burell has a different superstition.
, “I always tape my ankles. BOTH. Because I’m scared I’m gonna break them and I always put my left sock on my right foot and my right sock on my left foot.”
Triton lacrosse player Olivia O’Leary also has a superstition featuring her feet. ,
“Before every lacrosse game for club or Triton, I always make sure to put my left shoe on and tie it before I put on my right shoe,” said O’Leary. “I’ve been doing it for years and I just haven’t been able to do it any other way and I don’t plan on changing it either.”
Lastly, competitive dancer Izzy Smullin elaborated on her routine
“My friend Maddison and I poke each other’s arm before we perform our dance routine,” said Smullin. “It doesn’t matter if it would be a solo or a group dance, we always poke each other the second before we go on stage.”
Whatever helps you before a game even if it’s absolutely nasty or extremely simple, superstitions give athletes a sense of comfort and concentration to fall back on before the big game or even the team scrimmage at practice.
