At Pingree, success in sports is not only built during game time or after school practice. Across the teams, athletes say the moments that truly build their chemistry are mainly away from the rink, field or gym. They are built over meals together, weekend hangouts, and shared experiences that turn teammates into close friends. 

For many athletes, the simple traditions they share together make the biggest difference. Girls hockey players said pasta dinners, group hangouts, and time spent together before and after practice is how they are able to play their best together. These activities help everyone relax and connect in a way that does not always happen during intense practices. 

Senior Sarah Dicenso says, “Having fun together off the ice makes it easier to work together on the ice,” emphasizing that stronger friendships translate better communication and more confidence during games. She talks about how when teammates feel comfortable with one another, they are willing to speak up, support each other, and stay positive during challenging situations, which helps the team stay connected through the season.

Junior Piper Davekos notes that bonding builds trust, which is something that is important when quick decisions are being made. She explains that knowing your teammates personally helps players anticipate each other’s moves, communicate more effectively under pressure, and feel confident relying on one another in tough situations.

Bonding does create strong friendships, but it can also come with challenges. Senior Alexa Blaeser, who plays on the girls ice hockey team, shares that there can be moments of conflict between the grades. However, she believes that these challenges make the team much stronger. “Bonding off the ice is really important because then our chemistry is super good on the ice,” she says. Through team talks with the coach after a rough practice, players learn how to communicate and grow together, even when there are disagreements. 

The importance of team chemistry is just as clear on the football field. Junior Ryan Castillo explains that bonding starts even before the season officially begins. During preseason camp in the summer, the team spends time outside of practice, whether that is getting food or playing mini golf together. “Team bonding is one of the most important things for a teamwork sport like football,” he says. Trusting that each teammate will do their job and always be in the right spot in a game comes from building relationships off the field. When players trust each other, they play with more confidence and less worry. 

Junior Jack Spear also believes that bonding together creates a deep level of trust that practice does not. Spending time together hanging out before games, after games, or just talking on a personal level helps build the team into something more like a family. He explains that when players feel a connection like a family, it will elevate their performance because they feel as if they are not just playing for themselves but for each other. 

What makes in-season bonding at Pingree so special is that many students come from different towns, and they do not all grow up playing together. Through meals together, hangouts, and honest conversations, the differences are forgotten about.