Continuity leads to success

As a Science teacher by trade, it is easy for me to identify similarities between the natural world and a high school activities department. Symbiosis is a term that is used to describe two or more organisms that live near each other and benefit from the relationship. For instance, a clownfish living in a sea anemone, or a hive of bees living close to a field of wildflowers. When extrapolating this concept to high school activities it is not as cut and dry as providing shelter or pollinating flowers, however, it is easy to see that individual programs experience greater levels of success when they work together, towards a common goal.
At Triton, our volleyball and girl’s basketball coaches have structured the practice and meeting schedules similarly so our female student-athletes can know what to expect when they enter the physically demanding first weeks of the fall and winter seasons. Providing this level of continuity communicates the message that we are intentional about the way we do things. Being intentional about something communicates importance. Having continuity between programs improves efficiency and effectiveness, leading to greater levels of success.
In the last twelve months, our athletic department has recommitted to our strength and speed training that prepares all of our athletes to be the best they can be. Working together to commit to an agreed-upon number of training sessions per week for in-season student-athletes has allowed coaches of all programs to push student-athletes to participate in multiple sports, instead of taking a season off to “lift on their own.” The commitment to these agreements has not only increased the number of participants in the athletic programs but has increased camaraderie between coaches, as well as buy-in to the training program.
The depth of talent in Triton students is immense, however, the timing of the scheduled events and programs can make it difficult for students to participate in multiple activities at the same time. The coaches and advisors within the Triton activities department work incredibly hard to make sure that a soccer player can be the kicker for the football team, cheerleaders can participate in the fall play, or softball players can play a role in the musical. Simply put, doing what is best for students by creating opportunities for them to explore their interests and develop their skills is met with a solutions-based mindset.
In the end, all of this is made possible by every program pursuing the mission and vision of the Triton activities department. The integration of the Triton Profile of a Graduate characteristics within each activity unites the department together, and provides the foundation for which programs work together to provide the best experience for students in the classroom, community, and in competition. Working together and creating continuity and symbiotic relationships between programs allows for the best version of the Triton activities department to be displayed at all times.