Rituals and superstitions can seem like weird quirks of athletes but they serve a purpose. They give athletes a sense of confidence and come in a range from mundane to gross to bizarre.

At the highest professional levels, Yasiel Puig licking his bat in between pitches and LeBron James tossing chalk into the air before a game are famous rituals but Dak Prescott’s takes the cake. Before each game, the Cowboy’s quarterback eats a meal of spaghetti noodles, chicken and ranch dressing.

Any disruption in pregame routines or customs oftentimes results in an unsettled feeling in the player. This is because athletes find comfort and confidence in their rituals. A sense of normalcy eases the nerves of an athlete which in turn lets them focus on the moment. 

Players can acquire pregame rituals through a variety of ways. At CSD,  many rituals are chosen arbitrarily. Eliana Puma (‘25) drinks an orange BodyArmor before every game.  Molly Feighery (‘24) slaps the top of the doorframe as she runs out onto the court.

Evan DeSimone (‘24) and Oliver Morris (‘25) have a bit more story behind each of theirs.

“I listen to the same song before every game,” Evan DeSimone said. “I played it once before a game and had a really good outing,”

Oliver Morris wears the same shirt beneath his pads and jersey during every football game and he adamantly believes in it.

He said, ¨We’ve never lost a game when I’ve worn it, so I’m going to keep it on.” 

Superstitions differ from rituals but play just as big a role. Batters kiss their necklace before stepping into the box, fielders refuse to step on the chalk line before a baseball game starts, shooters have a certain dribbling routine before a free throw shot and football players sign the cross over their chest before kickoff. 

Athletic rituals and superstitions are all different but they serve the same purpose. They give a player a sense of comfort before a big moment.