When a team wins a game or meet, all eyes go to the athletes and coaches, often leaving the supporting hands unrecognized. Student managers hold their teams together and play a key role in a team's success by completing tasks and supporting the athletes. As Girls' Cross Country manager Kaya Howeler '29 states, "[managing] takes a lot of the strain off of the coaches so they can focus on the team and not have to worry about the little stuff." Without their work, Milton athletics would not be the same, and teams could not function as smoothly.
Alongside managers Ellie O'Connor '29 and Tess Burghardt '30, Howeler handles tasks such as preparing for meets, setting up flags, taking attendance, folding uniforms, handing out popsicles, and even making special affirmation cards for each runner. O'Connor, one of the other Cross Country managers, highlighted the significant role of a manager at home meets, declaring, "We run the managers stand, and we coordinate not just the [girls'] times, but the [boys'] times as well...we coordinated what school they're from, what their time was, if they're on JV or Varsity." Despite all the hard work, both Howeler and O'Connor really enjoy managing. Howeler added, "It's really fun because you get to be part of the team."
Their work definitely does not go unnoticed, with cross country runner Taylor Krepps '29 reflecting, "I appreciate the managers because every practice they take attendance, and they're so helpful at the meets by tracking everyone's time and helping set up the course, and they're a great part of the team."
Tracey Brown '29 and Ahnylah Cadet '29 are managers for the Varsity Football team, both completing similar tasks to those of Girls' Cross Country. Brown described her role as taking attendance at every practice, filling a large water jug to hydrate the athletes, and running errands as needed. Because Brown used to play football herself, being a manager was a way to be "connected to the team," without being on the field. She mentioned, "It's another community I'm a part of, and all [the players] are all very kind."
The managers for Varsity Girls' Soccer are Ellie Robson '29 and Zizi Dowda '29, who both complete important tasks during practices and games. Robson highlighted the extent of her and Dowda's work, stating, "I fill the water at practice, I pump up balls, I help shag balls, and at the end I help bring out the gear." Robson is committed to showing up for the team, usually coming to Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and sometimes even Friday practices, and attending every game on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and potentially Sundays. At games, she plays a vital role in implementing the Athletics Department's new Hudl Camera, a device that records games so family members and fans can watch from home, and she also runs the scoreboard during home games.
Varsity Volleyball has five managers this year. Although none of the managers were available for an interview, Volleyball player Julia Goddard '29 described their work and impact. Goddard explained that the managers set up the nets, keep track of points and stats, and help run drills. She emphasized that tracking each player's stats is extremely helpful in games because statistics are crucial in the college recruitment process. Reflecting on the importance of a manager, Goddard said, "They really do all of the backstage work for us to set us up for success."