It’s easy for student athletes to get lost in the intensity and competition of the sports season, but for Redwood High School team captains, focusing on giving back to the community and supporting one another is equally as valuable for success. 

This year, athletic Director Jessica Peisch, Principal Barnaby Payne and Assistant Principal Saum Zargar have begun holding bi-monthly meetings with Redwood High School varsity athletic captains in hopes of fostering a sense of community and strengthening communication with the captains.

Peisch explained why she started these meetings this year, after having wanted to do it for some time.

“It was the right timing and Dr. Payne said ‘let’s get this started, let’s do it.’ I said ‘let’s make it happen,’” Peisch said. “I’ve always thought the idea was a really great way to have direct communication with the captains, and for them to have direct communication with us. If there is something going on [then] they can come directly to us.” 

Highlighting the importance of community, team captains conducted California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) initiatives during CIF officials week by appreciating their referees. The captains received bags containing messages like “Thank you officials” along with   Gatorade and a Cliff Bar. Captains were assigned to gift them to officials during one of their games that week.

“This year the theme is communication, community and sportsmanship,” Pesich said.

Varsity junior volleyball captain Katie Lazzareschi and her team participated in community service with Play Marin, a non-profit organization that fosters diversity and inclusion by providing equitable access to athletics in underprivileged areas. During the practice, the varsity team led drills with the group and scrimmaged at the end. They started by teaching fundamental skills and then paired up to concentrate on individual learning.

“We helped them with a practice and they came to one of our Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) games, which was super cute,” Lazzareschi said. “We talked about positive coaching, community, supporting each other and bringing back the school spirit that Redwood has been lacking at sports games.” 

Another way the captains have strengthened support for each other was by having each fall team show up to another team’s game. Lazzareschi and her volleyball team did this by going to a varsity football game to show support from the sidelines.

This captain-focused initiative has also led to the team leaders traveling on field trips. On Nov. 17th, the fall varsity captains visited Oracle Park, speaking with experts about business and sports management. On Dec.10th, the winter sports teams captains had their first meeting with Payne and Peisch; they hope to continue the work done by the captains from the previous season.