More spirit, more attendance. All sports deserve recognition, especially girls’ teams at North, and with the support of S.L.A.M., they’ll finally shine under the spotlight. S.L.A.M. stands for Student-Led Athlete Management, and it has been in existence for one school year. Yet, its recognition still goes unnoticed. The club’s mission and purpose are to foster a sense of community in athletics and create opportunities for involvement in sports, promoting a more spirited fan base. Ava Carhart and Elliana Jotham lead this club as one of their many last hurrahs before fleeing the nest of the Dubs and entering the world of college. North Atlanta’s very own Coach Andre Regan mentors these young and talented Warriors.
For important games like Homecoming, S.L.A.M. plans on having a face paint station, and each grade will have a different color. Last year, they did Fan of the Week, inviting an award-winning elementary student and their family to attend a home game for free. They had the chance to be recognized on the Jumbotron and received a special prize. This year’s plans include Military Appreciation. This includes inviting Atlanta police, APS police, and Veterans who are a part of North to attend the games to honor them during halftime. Their goal is to recognize and support the Troops. Plans to hold raffles for gifts and food are also on the table for the first people to encourage others at the games. “More support and more school spirit,” said Carhart.
Senior, Elliana Jotham, is one of many Lady Dubs at NAHS. Jotham is on the girls’ lacrosse team, joining varsity her junior year. This club is important to her, knowing she plays a sport that not many warriors go out to watch and support. Before S.L.A.M., she noticed that the school was lacking athletic spirit, even though it is essential. Coach Andre Regan was a no-brainer when it came to seeking out a mentor for Carhart and Jotham because he is the Athletic Director. Not only does Regan align with the club’s values, but he also agrees that enriching school spirit is important to everyone, and it matters most to the athletes. “It makes you want to push as an athlete and do better for the people who are there for you,” said Jotham. “The louder the spirit, the stronger the magic!”
Senior Ava Carhart is on the girls’ lacrosse team and the girls’ golf team. S.L.A.M. is just as important to Carhart as it is to Jotham. The lack of students showing up to watch and support her and her team. Hopefully, more people will go to the games and support without needing added incentives. The absence of athletic spirit for some teams is tough on undersupported teams, which is why the club hopes to hold events to increase and encourage the popularity of their games. They are planning to create themes at games to encourage more fans to come.“ I hope to see fans at a women’s basketball game or soccer game, and then stay for the men’s,” said Carhart.
It is important to foster an environment where people want to be involved in athletics. The more athletic spirit, the greater the school spirit. From the first whistle to the final buzzer, S.L.A.M. is there for it all, turning athletes into legends one cheer at a time. This is more than a club – it’s a movement. Join S.L.A.M. Feel the pride.
