At first glance, it looks like a dress code violation. A group of boys show up to school wearing full suits, and freshmen girls appear dressed head to toe in their volleyball uniforms, all drawing stares in the hallways and annoying questions from classmates. For many of the students seeing them in the hallways, it could seem embarrassing to be singled out in front of the entire student body. But at Emery, there is a different perspective.
Freshman Mia Fleishman states that despite the obviously embarrassing nature of being asked about why freshmen on the volleyball team come to school in full jerseys, “It felt like a flex. It showed everyone that we were the only two freshmen on varsity.” Her teammate, freshman Sloane Beckerman, adds how she feels once you get over the embarrassing part and having to be asked questions in the hall, “it’s an honor.” These moments aren’t made for embarrassment; they’re part of a long-standing tradition shaped by senior athletes on these teams. Across different teams, seniors create rituals for underclassmen to mark milestones like the first district game or senior night. What might seem like harmless fun (or to some spectators a little light hazing) carries a deeper meaning within the team’s culture.
Senior Blake Saikin references the baseball team’s tradition of freshmen wearing full suits to school on the day of the team’s first district game: “It’s not hazing. This is a team tradition we’ve had for years.” Blake continues, sharing that this tradition “helps with team spirit too, letting everyone know that it’s our first district game.” His comments on the importance and longevity of this tradition prove that it is so much more than a humiliation stunt for the freshmen.
Whether it’s wearing suits for baseball or jerseys for volleyball, each ritual shows a transition, celebrates achievement, and strengthens team bonds. As players move from freshmen to seniors, they don’t just participate in these traditions. Instead, they continue them, ensuring that the same sense of pride and unity continues for future generations and athletes.
