For high school athletes, the presence of spectators can be just as influential as the game itself. From the football field to the volleyball court, the energy of a crowd can push players to perform at their best or sometimes create pressure that challenges their focus.

Athletes often feel both supported and distracted when friends, family, and fellow students are watching. The boost from a home crowd can improve confidence, while rowdy or absent spectators can make it harder to perform.

“I like the energy… I think it brings a lot of athletes up and makes them want to play better for the people they’re representing,” said Noah Wilson (’27), a junior football player. “It kind of helps my nerves. Just knowing that people are there to support you and your team… I think that’s a really big thing for athletes.”

Volleyball players experience a similar effect, especially during tense moments on the court.

“For our student section, I feel like they’re always supporting us. I don’t feel like they’re trying to make me do bad. So they help me,” said Phoebe Potong (’28), the team’s libero. “I like seeing them there because it makes me feel like they actually want to watch us play… I feel confident because they’re obviously supporting us.”

However, spectators can also be distracting, particularly in sports like cross country that demand focus.

“If they’re rowdy teenagers coming just to throw things or say negative comments, yeah, that definitely affects you,” said Caden Mace (’26), a senior cross-country and track runner. “There’s a level of having too many spectators and making sure that they aren’t disruptive… But the right amount of support can really push you to do better.”

Home and away crowds also influence athletes’ performance.

“For home games, loads of people show up, So it’s really obvious everyone wants to come… There’s more of a sense of approval from others than away games,” Potong (’28) said. “Sometimes, away games are harder because you feel like the room’s silent, and no one wants you guys to win.”

Ultimately, supportive spectators can elevate performance, while rowdy or unsupportive behavior can hinder it.

“When you show up to a game, you should go to your section, obviously. You should be cheering for your team and not against the other team,” Wilson (’27) said. “When you’re screaming at the refs and just saying how bad the other team is, that’s what everyone starts to focus on, including the players. We need to focus on how good we’re doing and bringing each other up.”