Tag: Layney Derricott

Beyond the title

Team captains practice positive leadership and encouragement

by Layney Derricott

When the game begins, captains are expected to be leaders. The ones who motivate and guide. But what happens behind the scenes?  Every high school team captain is also a student balancing expectations along with responsibilities.

Being a captain is more than just the title; it’s about showing up and really showing how important leadership is.

Senior Mattie Barker, captain of the girls’ volleyball team, finds leadership fundamental. 

“Leadership, to me, is something I find very important. I think of leadership as being the person on the team that everyone can trust and come to, either on the court or off. I think being the person on the court everyone looks to and comes to when they need encouragement is a very important quality,” said Barker.

Senior Mattie Barker celebrates the Jeffersonville point against Rock Creek. Barker said she encourages her volleyball teammates as a captain. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

Junior Cooper Spaulding, one of the football captains, said discipline is the key to guiding teammates, while being trusted and an encourager.

Spaulding also said keeping up a good front, checking on everyone, and being aware of their experiences, in addition to “keeping everyone in check separately, having to worry about how people will act to each other, while making sure they treat you with respect,” are key aspects of being a team captain.

Actions depend on the captain’s guidance to make sure every team member has their best demeanor. According to senior Abi Lemon, girls’ soccer captain, respect is something that’s earned.

“Being respected matters more than being liked. If you are respected, you’re liked. Respect is better to hold more authority,” said Lemon.

In addition, having the ability to be on everyone’s good side as well as holding strong authority is important, said senior football captain Jomall Owens, Jr. 

“Making sure to keep a good look out, and take care of everyone. Also while being kind and keeping up my promise to practice what I preach,” he said. 

While being a leader means looking out and supporting others, it also means staying positive and adjusting to challenging situations in specific situation, said senior soccer captain Alex Lopez. 

“The Eastern game changed my look on leadership. We were down in the game, (graduate) Elijah Cheeks pulled me aside and told me take a new approach to leading my team. Be more positive along with calmer when speaking to them,” he stated. 

Senior Alan Solorzano Lopez looks at Coach Colin Bell right before the first half of the Red Devils’ game against Franklin. The Red Devils won 6-0. Lopez said being calm is important as a leader. Photo by Parker McCloskey.

Supporting the team’s mindsets and rebuilding confidence while encouraging helps keep players focused and proud, said Barker. 

“When I notice that one of my teammates has lost confidence, I like to start by saying uplifting comments to them while playing. Like ‘Hey, great dig’ or ‘Way to find the hole in the block,’ so they keep focusing on the good things they are doing. I also will tell them to take a second and regroup, keeping up a ‘goldfish’ mindset.” 

Ultimately, a captain may wear the title, but true leadership is shown through actions. Leadership isn’t defined by the title or scoreboard — it’s defined by how JHS athletes support their teammates and respond to challenges.

by jhshyphen

Small team, big responsibilities

Girls’ soccer team recruits new players, uses positive energy to face the season

by Layney Derricott

The JHS girls’ soccer team has begun the new season with a smaller-than-normal roster, with barely enough players to fill the field or the bench.

The soccer team huddles together before the start of the Silver Creek game last Tuesday. The Red Devils fought the Dragons to a 3-3 tie. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

However, coming off a long summer break and straight into practice, the team is keeping a positive mindset despite the challenges.  

“We always make sure to always be uplifting and bring each other up — that’s important,” said senior midfielder Layana Cosby. 

After the 2025-26 season, a variety of players graduated, leaving the team depleted; however, the game still goes on. With their first game on August 18, the team prepared hastily. To start the season, they held tryouts August 3-5, resulting in a roster of 19, just enough players to field a team.  

Being on a team with fewer players can change experiences, including creating a different environment, demanding more responsibility with individual players and affecting gameplay. 

Coach Emily Foster said, “It’s a struggle having to try out new positions, but they are rising well to the challenge of something new. It’s all a matter of time for the team.” 

In addition to adjusting to new positions, the smaller roster has also learned the importance of teamwork and patience.

Sophomore center defender Haylee Alvaranga stated, “Having to have more patience helps with being a better team player by allowing you to listen, communicate, and work well with others.” 

Smaller teams sometimes mean less help. Players said patience in waiting their turns, along with communicating, thinking of others, and listening, tends to be a key virtue in being a team player. 

Senior Laela Rudicel stops the ball from going out of bounds, later scoring with the possession. The Red Devils tied the Silver Creek Dragons 3-3 last Tuesday. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

Senior team captain Abi Lemon stated, “facing tough opponents while staying optimistic” will be the Red Devils’ biggest challenge to overcome this season. 

Meeting this challenge while struggling under pressure can be hard but effective, according to Lemon. The new players joining the team are both helpful and encouraged. 

“It is a great experience to try something new; no matter how good someone is, their talent is needed. Everyone has unique talents and skills that can contribute to the team and make a lasting difference,” said Alvarenga.

The players described a welcoming environment as they prepare for their opponents, and they’re ready for just anyone to join the team. Hoping to be at their their peak by the time they play local rival Floyd Central, the Red Devils have the chance to turn their early challenges into motivation to prove what they can accomplish. 

Lemon shared her ways of keeping a positive mindset for herself and the young team. 

“Always put God first, making sure to keep your head up. While lifting up the people around you, also allowing them to lift you up.”

by jhshyphen