Some may hear the term “benchwarmers” and think of the popular 2006 film; however, when used to describe an athlete, it is hardly as humorous as the movie. A benchwarmer is officially an athlete who does not play and sits on the bench, therefore warming it for the starters. However, a benchwarmer can also be “Someone who isn’t necessarily bad or is not working hard, but someone who may not be on their game that day,” Varsity tennis player Lynn Pytell said.

Receiving little play time can take a toll on the player’s emotions and increase insecurities, so it is time to shine the spotlight on the benchwarmers.

Varsity softball player Alexis West considers herself a benchwarmer and wishes she had more play time. “It makes me feel like I’m not good enough to be on the team,” West said.

However, her coach Matthew Fishburn disagrees.

“I appreciate every player on my team whether or not they are the star of the team, play a lot, or do not play at all,” Fishburn said.

Many coaches are too focused on the game and winning it to compliment their players. Shouldn’t it be up to the other teammates to makes those who feel unappreciated, appreciated?

FHS boys Varsity soccer player Justin Gray said that, “Yes there are benchwarmers, I honestly don’t know how they’re treated but they barely play. Starting players are determined by your effort and hard work.”

Many players feel that they work harder than some who have more play time. An athlete who asked to remain anonymous believes that it is not just hard work that determines who plays the most but how much they “kiss up” to the coach.

“There are benchwarmers because there can only be 11 people from your team on the field. The people who start practice hard and the coach feels that there the best person for the spot,” Varsity football player Andrew Barker said.

Even the football team, benchwarmers serve a purpose. “They help us practice so we need them to stick around,” Barker said.

Other players are less concerned with playing the field and more concerned with the good of the team. It is part of being an athlete to show interest not in oneself but the team as a whole.

“If people get more playing time than me I’m usually fine with it if it’s benefiting my team,” FHS girls Varsity soccer player Hallie Gordley said.

The term benchwarmer is not a compliment, and many athletes feel degraded being called so; nevertheless, some use this to support their teammates and work even harder to play more themselves.

“I play tennis… above average. When others get more play time than me I realize that they must have been more dedicated and hard working in practices. I cheer them on knowing that they deserved it and think of how I can change my own habits,” Pytell said.

For those benchwarmers, it is so easy to let emotions ruin the chance of bettering themselves. Channel those emotions into motivation.

“I love all of my teammates. Everyone always gives 110% at practice. This is the first year on varsity for all of them. It’s a faster pace and more demanding than what they are used to. They are more than supportive cheering for the people on the court every play, and helping call out what’s happening on the court,” Varsity volleyball player Jessica Allison said. “This year is a change of pace with skill because we only have 3-4 players who saw the court last year. We have made tremendous leaps and bounds during the preseason from where we started in June.”

Benchwarmers do serve a purpose. They are the team cheerleaders, the most improved, the motivators and the benefactors. Coaches and teammates appreciate you. It may feel like benchwarmers aren’t needed, but they’re on the team for a reason.