Suzanne Caruso, MS Teacher
What does it mean to be a good sport?
In my short tenure as a basketball coach at Stoneridge, I have observed the qualities of “good sportsmanship.” Whether our team wins or loses, or a teammate makes or misses a shot, or an opponent steals a pass...each player on the team is supportive, rooting for his or her teammates with energy and enthusiasm.
It is a pleasure to watch our team when they play basketball -- especially when Stoneridge plays another Montessori school. Each team, playing with true Montessori spirit, practices grace and courtesy and respect not only for their teammates but for the other team. The teams cheer on their teammates--and the other team--suggesting that in fact, winning is not the most important thing. Of course, there is a competitive feeling between the teams on the court, but a feeling of fun balances the sense of competition.
Fun is often forgotten in sports today, even for younger players, as the competition begins to outweigh the joy. However, I am glad to report, from what I have observed, the joy of playing still remains in the Stoneridge sports program. Because sportsmanship is understood by our players, whether it is basketball, soccer, or multi-sport, the players at Stoneridge find great fun in their competitive games!
