Sports teams at CESJDS are more than just groups of athletes–they are vibrant communities. Many students participate in a wide range of teams, from competitive sports like basketball and baseball to non-competitive ones such as the dance team. Whether one is driven by passion for the game, a desire to be a part of a community or simply want to stay active, there is a place for all. No matter the reason, everyone should play on a sports team.
To graduate from JDS, students need 10 art credits, 80 Community Service hours and one sports credit. There are multiple ways to achieve the sports credits, but by far the best way is by joining a JDS team. Joining a sports team allows one to earn credit without using up one of the nine valuable class slots, while also giving one something productive to do after school that takes care of the daily exercise.
As a member of the boys varsity baseball team, after a practice or a game, no matter the outcome, I am always excited to be a part of a team and looking forward to the next practice or game. Sports are not for everyone, not everyone loves every practice, but joining a team or trying out doesn’t commit one to being a starter and needing to be trusted at all times. Joining a sports team at JDS should not be a burden or something that stresses one out; it should be a stress reliever.
One of the best parts about a team at JDS is building friendships with the teammates that one sees every day at school. I have created a strong connection with baseball teammates in other grades, who I wouldn’t have talked to otherwise. I compete on a high school hockey team outside of JDS, but the connections I’ve made on that team are not as tight because I don’t see them every day. Join a team to have fun with friends and become part of a community that everyone will always remember.
From JDS baseball, I have created strong relationships with students who have already graduated. I still keep in touch with them. Communities and relationships are created through mutual love for baseball, but also because of all the time one spends with each other during practices and games. Teammates will become friends one will want to hang out outside of school, and not just classmates.
Sports are not for everyone, but exercise is important for all students. Even if one does not enjoy playing sports, there may be one that someone has not tried that they may enjoy. Track and Field is a great team to join and an amazing way to get daily exercise while doing it with friends, instead of by oneself. If one has little experience in sports, teams like volleyball or tennis at JDS are great options. The teams are always looking for new participants and while one does not have to be a starting player, they are still able to play and exercise with a team.
Another part of the JDS sports experience I love is the JDS-Melvin J. Berman sports rivalry. Many JDS students attend the rivalry basketball game, and with such a tight-knit community at the school, it feels like everyone is there watching. Many JDS and Berman students know each other and try even harder to beat each other. I enjoy playing against another Jewish school because it makes me feel as though we are playing as part of a larger Jewish community.
Seeing friends and family cheering is extra special in the JDS uniform, because it feels like the close community believes in the team and wants to see them succeed.
Sports are not for everyone, but being on a JDS sports team is so much more than just being good at sports. One is able to exercise and gain friendships that will be with them for the rest of their life. Join a sports team at JDS not because you are being forced to, but because of the opportunity to learn something new and create new relationships.
