Imagine that it is the biggest game of the year –everyone is going to be there and this is a chance for you to make a name for not only yourself, but also your team. It is the earlier part of game day and you need to get your mind right. Time to play your “game day” playlist, filled with songs that will hopefully pump up your energy while still keeping you focused on the task at hand –playing your best.
Music is a huge part of my pregame ritual. Certain songs help me tune out everyone and all other distractions. On game day, my choice of songs tend to be more upbeat, energetic and filled with lyrics that help me build the confidence and intensity I need to see any opponent as only an equal, nothing more. I assume that most athletes listen to a similar type of up-tempo music, but this is not the case. One of my teammates will not listen to music at all on game day. It is a superstition of hers; listening to music is bad luck if listened to before a game. For her, the absence of music helps her focus her attention on the game ahead. My other teammates do not really care about the type of music, just as long as there is some type of beat flowing to their ears before the game. Others listen to music just because everyone else is listening to it and the room would otherwise be completely silent.
I always wonder what types of music different athletes listen to. Gymnastics, crew, even golf; what type of music gets them charged up and focused? It would be interesting to ask professional athletes what music they listen to before their games. Kobe Bryant’s playlist may have the same songs that you have on your “game day” playlist. I know I would feel a special bond if I shared the same pump-up songs with such a well-known athlete!
Athletics encompasses a whole lot more than just the games. From exhausting practices to personal disappointment, music always comes in handy. There can be days where everything seems to be going wrong, nothing I do on the court is as I want it and the coaches are on me from the start to make sure my every move is perfect. For these times, I could go home and listen to music so loud I cannot hear my own thoughts, or listen to quiet, soft music that will calm my nerves and allow the frustration to seep out of my pores.
Frustration happens all the time, especially for everyday living. Not every day is smooth sailing and music can be a great coping mechanism. Music has its own way of channeling emotion, making it easier for different people to deal with different situations. During my sophomore year, I listened to Kid Cudi every day. His music helped me handle the not-so-sunny days. Music helps people relate to others. With all the many types of genres and artists, all types of personalities are able to express themselves and get in on an artists’ feelings to help them cope with their own. Music has quite an influence. Music makes the world go ‘round.
Written by Lauren Juric
Edited by Andrea Herman
Image Source: coolspotters.com
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