The intensity and effort students show while trying out for different winter sports
Every season, the pressure builds as athletes at AHS prepare for varsity tryouts. The gym fills with echoing sneakers, the soccer fields with nonstop drills, and the air with nerves. For many, it’s not just about making the team—it’s about proving that all their hard work, discipline, and dedication have paid off.
Disha Bhandary (11), who is a member of the girls’ varsity basketball team, knew that preparation would determine whether she made the cut. Bhandary explained that the intensity of tryouts pushed players far beyond regular practices. “We run a lot more in tryouts than we normally do,” Bhandary said. “You really need that level of conditioning to get through it.”
For Bhandary, the mental side of it was just as tough. “I tried to make varsity my sophomore year, so I was really nervous,” Bhandary admitted. “Most of the people trying out are juniors and seniors, so it feels like there’s more pressure.” Competing against more experienced and older athletes made her feel like every drill mattered.
For varsity soccer player Aditya Dhaneshwar (11), summer wasn’t a break—it was a training season. “I focused on a lot of endurance training,” Dhaneshwar said. “Personally, I biked 30 miles a day over the summer to build my stamina,” Dhaneshwar said. Despite all his preparation, tryouts still pushed players to their limits. “The most challenging part of soccer tryouts is probably the intensity with which people play,” Dhaneshwar explained. “Everyone really wants the shot at varsity, so everyone takes it extremely seriously.”
Even through exhaustion, athletes find their own ways to stay confident. Dhaneshwar said he reminds himself that sports are supposed to be enjoyable, even in competitive settings. “I always try to keep in mind that at the end of the day, it’s just a game and I just want to have fun out there,” Dhaneshwar said. “I don’t really focus on what others are thinking; I just focus on how I can make it fun for myself.” Staying grounded helps Dhaneshwar perform better when the stakes stay high.
Meanwhile, Aiden Sue Jung (11), another varsity soccer player, believes what sets athletes apart isn’t just skill—it’s attitude. “I just drink water and think about it throughout the day,” Jung said about how he mentally prepares for tryouts. “Coaches look for leadership, like talking on the field,” Jung said. Communication and teamwork are qualities coaches pay close attention to, especially during competitive sessions. Staying vocal is one of the clearest ways athletes can stand out.
AHS’s trophy case highlights the legacy that current athletes work to uphold through tryouts. (Photo Credit: Marjan Nabizada (11)).
Through it all, motivation comes from the people around them. “I love the people that I play with, and I’m happy to see them every day,” Bhandary said. That bond helps athletes push through the nerves, long practices, and physical exhaustion that come with competing for a varsity spot.
By the end of tryout week, every player has grown—even if they don’t make the cut. Bhandary reflected, “I’m not as conditioned as I should be, because in comparison, I only play basketball through school and not year-round.” The competition for varsity is fierce, but it’s also what builds stronger athletes and stronger teams. From leadership to endurance to sheer determination, these players prove that making varsity isn’t just about talent; it’s about heart, commitment, and the will to keep going, no matter how tough the tryouts get.
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