Rose basketball highlights
THU.| 5-1-25 | SPORTS
When most people think of a leader on a team, their mind goes to their team captain or coach. However, for Rose boys soccer and basketball, many players think of freshman Sawyer Corley, who manages both the boys soccer team and the boys basketball team.
Corley, affectionately nicknamed by the JV soccer team as “Man Man”, began his managerial career at Rose early during the boys soccer season. From his first practice, Corley hit it off with those around him.
“It was a little intense but a little exciting to meet new people and be a part of the team,” Corley said.
Throughout the season, Corley began to find comfort within the routine and connection of the team.
“We listened to music on the bus and went everywhere,” Corley said. “Everyone [is] nice to everyone and includes everyone.”
Throughout the season, Corley would build bonds with the team on and off the field, and continue to encourage them at every opportunity.
“I pump everyone up and tell them it’s game day in the Rose Garden,” Corley said. “When I see them in the hallway I give them high fives and stuff like that. It gives me joy and happiness.”
As the boys soccer season came to an end, Corley quickly felt like a piece of his daily routine was missing.
To fill that void, he reached out to boy’s basketball coach Robert Duck about continuing his managerial career during the winter sports season.
“It felt like something was missing a lot,” Corley said. “I was in PE playing basketball and I thought ‘what if basketball doesn’t have a manager’, and I asked coach [Duck], and he said he could really use one.”
Just like with the soccer team, Corley meshed with his new squad instantly and began helping out in every way he could.
“I get to hear the game plan, it’s fun,” Corley said. “Sometimes I [contribute], coach Duck has to be in the right mood.”
Since basketball’s season ended in a defeat on March 7 against Southern Durham, Corley has set his sights on his goals for the remainder of his time at Rose.
“[My big goal] is to give people energy, tell them you can learn from your mistakes and make people happy.”
