Ricordia: Belonging Through Sports

by Penelope Dmochowski '29

Whether you define community as a sense of belonging, a support system, or a village of people with similar interests or values, you likely have the desire to be a part of one. I definitely did, and like many new students, I worried about how I would fit into the Merion Mercy community. I am happy to report, however, that as a student at Merion Mercy for just over two months, I already feel at home and connected with the Merion community. I think, in large part, this is due to the excellent sports teams at Merion and the community they provide.

I am a player on the varsity soccer team at Merion. Our pre-season began in June, with open play nights twice a week, which then transitioned into practices and games every day in mid-August, and our official season started in September. The four and a half months of speed training, film sessions, and header practice gave me quality time to spend with my teammates, outside the classroom, allowing me to form bonds I wouldn’t have otherwise. Not only did I make tremendous improvements in soccer, but I also had the opportunity to build lasting friendships.

Along with the community, Merion’s sports teams allow students to gain a sense of pride for our school. As athletes, we are not just representing ourselves, but also our entire school community. We live our school values on the field, court, track, and river by playing courageously and honoring the dignity of all teammates and opposing players. Merion Mercy sports teams are known for excellent sportsmanship. Being cheered by the sidelines and congratulated after a big win naturally makes one feel supported by their classmates and teachers. So too does mutual support when a game doesn’t go well. This not only helps us to build community amongst ourselves, but also helps to positively represent our school, ultimately leading to school pride for all students. 

As athletes, we appreciate the community of the team not just on the field, but also in our everyday life. The relationships we build translate to hugs, smiles, and waves in the hallway that become a highlight of our days. Bridget Mulatri, a sophomore on the varsity volleyball team, said, "Being able to say hi to these girls in the hallway at school has made me feel like I fit in.” She further explained that these teammates have “given me advice not just about volleyball, but about school and life too.” More experienced and possibly wiser insights from upperclassmen can help us navigate everyday stressful situations.

Forming relationships with upperclassmen is beneficial in many ways, especially as an underclassman. Entering a new school as a freshman was daunting, but having a team composed of freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors helped tremendously to smooth the transition for me. Having the opportunity to speak about teachers and classes, as well as the overall school environment, before even starting at Merion was extremely helpful, and took a lot of stress off starting at a new school. Arriving on campus to warm greetings from other girls on the first day eased my nerves and made everything feel more comfortable. I was already a part of the Merion community I was only beginning to appreciate.

Upperclassmen, too, benefit from knowing the younger students. Claire Casey describes how sports have helped her to make some of her best friends and she recognizes how special it is to have a place where she can grow as a leader, stating, “ Now, as an upperclassman, I've been able to connect with the younger grades too and help to introduce them to the amazingness that Merion has to offer!”

If you take anything away from this article, let it be that friendships made through sports are not ordinary relationships, and that if you are not already a part of a sports team at Merion take a leap, put yourself out there, and try something new! If you do already participate in one or more sports here at Merion Mercy, let this be a reminder to cherish the four short years we have to play high school sports and make the very most of it. Allow me to end with the wise words of Bridget: “I am so proud of what we have done this year, and I can't wait to see what next season will bring!”​