In collegiate sports, there is a constantly rotating roster of players. Every year, new first-years join the team and experienced seniors leave.
College athletes who experience this rotation said that although there is pressure to improve their athletic ability and fill the shoes of those who preceded them, having a positive outlook is ultimately what makes the change possible.
“It’s not about replacing someone. It’s about growing into a leader yourself,” said Andersen Fuller, Pepperdine Men’s Volleyball senior middle blocker. “We talk a lot about trying to be comfortable when uncomfortable.”
Pepperdine athletes said building a new team each year can be anxiety-inducing, but adaptability is necessary to the team’s growth.