By Maron Guimarães– Whether it’s listening to a certain song, repeating the same warm-up, or saying a quick prayer, every athlete has that one thing they have to do before a game. These small rituals have become a major part of game day for many Morningside athletes.
For some players, music is the key to getting locked in. Gustavo dos Santos, a senior soccer player from São Paulo, Brazil, shared that he always listens to music before stepping onto the field. He said it helps him focus and actually boosts his performance. And his numbers back it up. Gustavo finished the season with 5 goals and 5 assists, totaling 15 points.
Keyera Harmon, a senior soccer player from Rapid City, South Dakota, she always prays before her games while listening to the song “Every Bone.” She explained that her ritual keeps her grounded, saying:
“I get to reflect on how good God is to me, to be able to play this sport I love, and I know that my life is in God’s hands, so I don’t need to be anxious about the game. I can go out and play with peace and just work my hardest.”
Keyera has had an incredible season so far, putting up 11 goals and 6 assists for a total of 28 points, and was recently honored as First Team All-Conference, recognizing her as one of the standout players in the GPAC as she heads into the national tournament.
Team traditions also play a big role across campus. Many squads huddle, pray, or run through the same pre-game sequence that brings everyone together before the whistle blows. These moments help settle nerves, build confidence, and remind players that they’re stepping onto the field with their whole team behind them.
Whether it’s music, prayer, lucky socks, or how they get dressed, these pre-game rituals give every athlete a sense of rhythm and control. And while they may seem inconsequential, they’re powerful tools that help Morningside athletes play with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
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