2025-10-30 01:44
I still remember my first tryout experience like it was yesterday - the nervous energy in the air, the way my heart pounded against my ribs, and that overwhelming desire to prove myself worthy of wearing the Ateneo colors. Having been through this process myself and now helping coach young athletes, I've come to understand that making any competitive sports team requires both exceptional skill and the right mindset. Just look at the professional basketball world where we see emerging talents like Gilgeous-Alexander and Edwards dominating the court - their journeys started with similar tryout experiences, though admittedly at different levels.
The Ateneo SHS soccer tryouts typically attract around 150-200 hopeful students each season, though only about 35-40 will make the final roster. What many don't realize is that the coaching staff begins evaluating potential players from the moment they step onto the field - how they warm up, how they interact with other tryout participants, even how they handle their equipment. I always tell aspiring players to treat every moment as part of the assessment because coaches aren't just looking for technical skills; they're searching for teammates who embody the Ateneo values of excellence and camaraderie.
Physical preparation is crucial, but what separates successful candidates is their mental game. During my time with the program, I've noticed that players who demonstrate strong situational awareness and quick decision-making tend to stand out. Think about how Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in scoring this regular season at just 26 years old, or how the 23-year-old Edwards ranked fourth - their success isn't just about physical talent but their ability to read the game and make split-second decisions. Similarly, during tryouts, coaches will put you through scenarios that test your game intelligence, not just your footwork or shooting accuracy.
The actual tryout process usually spans three to five days, with each session lasting approximately two hours. You'll face technical drills, small-sided games, and full-field scrimmages designed to assess different aspects of your play. From my perspective, the scrimmage portions carry the most weight because they reveal how you perform under game-like pressure. I've seen incredibly skilled players crumble during these simulated games while less technically gifted players shine through their positioning and communication. It's this competitive spirit that the coaching staff values - the same drive we see in All-NBA Team candidates chasing their first NBA Finals appearance.
What many applicants underestimate is the importance of recovery between tryout sessions. The physical demand is substantial - players typically cover 5-7 kilometers per session - and showing up fatigued can ruin your chances. I learned this the hard way during my first attempt, pushing too hard initially and struggling through subsequent sessions. Now I advise players to prioritize sleep, nutrition, and active recovery just as seriously as their on-field preparation. It's the cumulative performance across all sessions that determines selection, not just one good day.
The final selection process involves input from all coaching staff members, with each coach rating players across multiple criteria. From what I've observed, the coaching staff places particular emphasis on coachability and how players respond to feedback during the tryout period. They're not just selecting for current ability but for potential growth throughout the season. This mirrors how professional organizations evaluate talent - considering both present performance and future development, much like how teams assess young stars like Edwards who's already ranking fourth in scoring at just 23.
Looking back, what I appreciate most about the Ateneo tryout process is how it mirrors real-world challenges beyond sports. The pressure, the need to perform consistently, and the importance of teamwork - these are lessons that serve players well regardless of whether they make the team. My advice to anyone attempting these tryouts is to embrace the entire experience, learn from each session, and understand that sometimes the greatest growth comes from the attempt itself. The journey matters as much as the destination, whether you're a high school athlete or an NBA star chasing that first championship appearance.
