Being an athlete at Peddie taught me how to be a teammate

At Peddie, lessons learned in athletics stay with you for life. Tour guide Saanvi knows that it’s not just about victories on the court; it’s about the friendships formed there.

Playing sports at Peddie has shaped my experience here in ways I didn’t expect. I came in knowing I wanted to keep up with basketball and tennis, but I didn’t realize how many small moments (the kinds you don’t really think about until later) would end up teaching me the most.

Take basketball, for example. Practices are sometimes intense. We’ll run through the same play again and again until it feels automatic. But no one ever lets you feel like you’re dragging through it alone. Last season, I remember a drill where I kept missing layups, and one of my teammates immediately yelled, “Next one’s yours.” She was right. I did make the next shot. More than that, it showed me how much my teammates and I trust each other to keep going.

Tennis is a different situation. It can feel so individual when you’re the only one on your side of the net. But at Peddie, I’ve never felt alone because it’s not just about your own match. One of my favorite tennis rituals is after away games, when we stop for food on the way back. We always go inside and sit together as one big team. Picture seven of us crammed around a table, still sweaty in our uniforms, passing around food and debating whose match was the most stressful or fun to watch. Those meals are loud and messy, and honestly, the best part of the day.

Of course, not every game or match goes the way you want. I’ve lost close, three-hour matches that left me frustrated. But I’ve learned how to reset by laughing with my teammates or hitting some tennis balls until I feel better. That balance of pushing yourself but also not taking everything too seriously has been one of the biggest lessons for me.

Sports at Peddie is where I learned how to show up for other people, and where I’ve found people who show up for me.