By Olivia Bolin
Featured Performer from West Orange HS
Outside of colorguard, I have been deeply involved with West Orange’s golf team. So when I
came over to guard a few years ago, I was not expecting the amazing sense of community that
the guards of FFCC have created. Camaraderie, sportsmanship, and respect are essential parts
of any team sport, but colorguard has taken those qualities and run farther with them than I ever
believed was possible. The support from all of these other guard members, from the highest
class to the lowest, is encouraging and uplifting.
I remember my very first premiere at Lyman High school. My previous experiences with
competitions had only been with the golf team. Golf, although technically considered a team
sport, is generally geared towards the individual and the individual’s performance. Like guard,
each team practices before their “performance,” or their time to tee off.
The way I imagined guard at this point was like golf; each team practices by themselves, talks
amongst themselves, and gathers together after their round. I remember the first big surprise
being the “good lucks” that came our way. The second was all the compliments on our dresses.
These other girls were taking the time to show kindness to us as we were walking past them,
without them really knowing who we were. Their selflessness touched me, and even as a
rookie, I felt proud of being a guard member.
Coming back to present time, as a senior I feel so happy that I am able to give that same
feeling of joy to others. This season is different, but we’re all still able to bond with each other
over our shared interests in guard. I see the same excitement in the rookies on my own team
that I had myself that very first year. Getting to see this attitude throughout the years has made
an impression on me in more ways than just that. I can take this approach towards anything I
choose to do. I can make anyone feel welcome anywhere I go. Whether or not you take on
leadership during your years in guard, I feel that you can apply this to any form of leadership
opportunities.
I asked some of the members of other guards if they felt the same way that I did. I also
asked them if they played other sports, and if their experiences were similar to what I had when
I first started out. Emily Ward from Sunlake High School has experience in cheerleading, and
said, “Colorguard and cheerleading are so different! In cheerleading, I felt like I was only a name
on a list, but in colorguard I’ve always been made to feel like I am a valued person as well as an
athlete.” She also spoke about the positive feelings being on her team has given her. “It makes
me feel like I belong somewhere and gives me a strong sense of family.”
Another guard member, Ariana Casillas-Rodriguez from Lake Gibson High School, puts it
simply: “The difference between guard and other sports is that yes, we have pressures to score
better and perform more, but it’s never a win or lose situation. To me, it’s always been a “do
better for yourself” sport, which has helped me gain confidence.”
Some other members I spoke with did not play other sports, but still appreciated the
aspects that give guard its distinct community. Emily Sadlier from Windermere High School
loves the accomplished feeling of learning a new guard skill. “I love how guard and FFCC feel
like such a positive environment. Being a part of a colorguard team is the equivalent of having a
second family. They help you when you need it and encourage you to work hard.”
It was good to hear that I wasn’t the only one that felt this way. Colorguard is special. It’s
community. It’s family. And I wouldn’t trade my years in this sport for anything.
