In Varsity Girls Track and Field, progress does not show up all at once. It is built in small moments at practices, at meets, and in how athletes learn to handle pressure over time through confidence and experience.

     For underclassmen, especially sophomores competing at a varsity level, the season is less about having everything figured out all in the beginning and more about building experience each day; it comes through competition, training, and adjusting to a high-level environment.

Sophomores are expected to compete at a varsity level, but they are also developing their understanding of pace, expectations, and the mental side of track and field. That balance creates athletes who are growing while still performing in real time at a competitive level. A big part of that development comes from being around upperclassmen every day. In practice, athletes observe how more experienced runners train, warm up, and approach meets. They also see how consistency and preparation impact performance. For many sophomores, this environment helps them improve quickly, building habits, discipline, and confidence through daily exposure.

At the same time, being an underclassman at the varsity level can come with mixed expectations. Sometimes sophomores are overlooked simply because of their grade or assumed experience level. At meets, where not every competitor knows their background, that can lead to being underestimated. That can be frustrating at times, but it can also allow athletes to compete with less pressure and more freedom.

Experience also plays a major role in how sophomores are viewed within the sport. Some enter high school with years of track experience already, which helps them adjust quickly to the pace and structure of varsity competition. Even so, they still carry the label of underclassmen, which can lead others to underestimate them early on. However, consistent performance tends to challenge those assumptions over time and earn respect on the track.

For other sophomores, growth comes through repetition and competition. Each meet becomes part of the process, helping them refine pacing,and strengthen their ability to perform under pressure. Track and Field reinforces learning through experience, and teammates and coaches play a key role in that development through guidance and support throughout the season.