Before the lights come on, before the whistles blow, and before the crowd fills the stands, Ledyard athletes are already locked into the field. What most people don’t see are the small traditions and secret rituals that happen behind the scenes–moments that might look simple to an outsider but mean everything to the players who live them. 

Football sets the tone with one of the most powerful rituals in the school. Music blasts through the locker room, energy builds, and then the team unites in a fierce prayer: “I make the sun rise, I make the seas roll, and I decide, who suffers, in my house of pain, for the love of the game, for the love of my team, and all respect, and those who guide me, this is my football team! And there’s nothing like it, without my team, I suffer, I give my team my best, on the field, and off, so be it.” For them, it isn’t just words–it’s a promise of dedication to one another. 

The boys’ soccer team has its own formula for success, starting the night before with a pasta dinner that fuels both the body and the spirit, followed by locker room music and even games of mini basketball that keep things light. The girls’ soccer team thrives on consistency: the same warm-ups, the same bus playlists include “We Found Love” by Rihanna and “Beauty and a Beat” by Justin Bieber, and the same passing partners. Just before kickoff, the starting eleven huddle together, exchange words like strategies for the game, and seal it with one sharp clap, one sound to remind them they are one team. 

Girls’ basketball thrives on energy and precision. They always run out to the same song, “March Madness” by Future. Then they huddle for their fierce chant: “Dominate on three! 1,2,3!” and go over their press and matchups before tipoff, making sure everyone is locked into the game plan. Boys’ basketball, on the other hand, finds unity in prayer. Before every game, the boys’ basketball team says a prayer, asking for fairness, strength, and the drive to give everything they have on the court.

The girls’ cross country team has some of the loudest traditions of all. The team rallies with their cheer: “We are the Colonels, the navy, gold, and white. We pop, we rock, and we love a good fight. L-E, L-E-D, L-E-D-Y-A-R-D, Go Ledyard!” The boys’ cross country team follows rituals that go beyond running. They have pasta dinners two days before big meets, which helps hype up the team. On race day, they circle up at the starting line as upperclassmen share strategy and encouragement–a secret tradition that prepares everyone mentally before the race. 

Volleyball finds strength in closeness.The team huddles together before games, gives each other pep talks, plays music, and even braids each other’s hair–a small act that becomes a sign of connection and trust. 

Wrestling is more individual. Wrestlers warm up, drill, and listen to music, each athlete relying on their own quiet preparation before stepping on the mat.

Baseball and softball show two different sides of tradition. The baseball team listens to “Centerfield” By John Fogerty before stepping onto the diamond, a classic anthem that never gets old. The softball team centers on gratitude, standing in a circle as the coach asks everyone to share either the best part of their day or three things they’re thankful for. 

Tennis players have their own pre-match routine to get in the zone. Players go through the lineup, gather in a circle, and shout together, “Ledyard on 3! 1,2,3–LEDYARD!” Away games sometimes add music on the bus, turning the ride into part of the preparation. 

From football’s fiery prayer to softball’s gratitude circle, from girls’ basketball chants to boys’ basketball prayers, every team at Ledyard carries secrets that build focus, courage, and unity. Even though some sports aren’t included here, it’s safe to say that every team has its own traditions that help players bond and prepare. These rituals may look small from the outside, but they are the heartbeat of each sport, creating bonds that last far longer than any scoreboard. These rituals prove that the real victories at Ledyard High School aren’t just measured in points–they’re measured in trust, tradition, and the quiet moments that make a team one.         

Aminah Jemmo, Staff Writer

Sophomore Aminah Jemmo is a staff writer for the 2025-2026 Colonel News Magazine. She likes shows, coffee, and sleeping.