Early mornings, late nights, long bus rides, and screaming coaches — a typical experience for a high school athlete. However, the players aren’t the only ones living this reality. A group of dedicated individuals who often go unnoticed experience the same fate. Team managers play a vital role in ensuring that practices run smoothly, equipment is ready, and players get everything they need to perform. From laundry to logistics, North Atlanta’s managers are the backbone of the athletic program.
Sarah Reyes is a senior at North Atlanta, and one of the managers for the varsity basketball team. Reyes had never considered being a sports manager, however, was pulled into the idea by Coach Sarden, who at the time recognized her leadership skills. A few weeks later, Reyes was diving headfirst into the world of North Atlanta basketball. She now handles some of the most crucial responsibilities vital to the Dubs success. This includes packing equipment for away games, preparing the home court, organizing food, and making sure everything is ready before gametime. Reyes loves the sport, loves being around the team, and loves the feeling of being a part of something bigger than herself — all things that keep her coming back to the program. “You have to be patient and fully commit, because it takes a lot of time,” she said.
To Coach Wells (the head varsity coach for boys basketball), the managers are the heart of the program. She highlights their importance as steady, reliable, and always there before anyone else. Whether it’s setting the clock, washing jerseys, or getting the book ready, the managers always perform. Their work takes an enormous weight off her shoulders, allowing her to coach stress-free. “Consistency.” The one word she described them as. If she calls, they answer. If she needs something, it is done before she finishes asking. Apart from the responsibilities, she genuinely enjoys having them around. Their sense of humor, their energy, and just their overall kindness makes them irreplaceable. “They keep me laughing. They’re just good kids,” she said.
To the players, managers are like teammates, constantly showing up and performing to secure a win. Jackson Allen, a junior at North Atlanta and three-year varsity basketball player, explained that practices and games run smoother with the help of the managers. They control everything that most players and coaches often forget about. Allen is very appreciative of their managers as he said they push through the season regardless of success. “We couldn’t do what we do without them, and we’re lucky to have them,” he said.
A win isn’t always about a dunk, or that touchdown pass, rather the retrieval of a jersey or a refilled water bottle. Impact doesn’t always show up on the field or in the score sheet, yet in the locker room before and after games. That’s the manager’s job, and managers do their job well here at North Atlanta.
