Superstitions are a big part of an athlete’s mental game. They can vary from never washing game socks to listening to their favorite song before a game. A superstition is a developed routine that must be practiced in order for an athlete to perform their best. PVHS athletes have many different unique superstitions that help them play to their highest ability.

Jon Ward

Varsity Cross Country/ Basketball

What is your superstition?

“The night before whether it’s basketball or cross country I like to hang up my jersey. I also like to wear typically the same thing, so the same type of socks for game/meet or same undershirts for games”

When did it start?

“The first time I ran varsity was when we were in Hawaii and it was the first time I got the stripes which is a big thing for cross country. I was like I’ll hang it up in the closet and ever since it’s been my thing. I started doing it for basketball because I did it for cross country so might as well hang it up in my room or at a hotel and put it in the closet.”

Harper Skeie

Varsity Lacrosse

What are your superstitions?

“I always have to be wearing my avocado socks and always have to write phrases on my arm to help me stay focused.”

When and how did they start?

“I first started doing it summer into my freshman year. My mom had bought the avocado socks for me and I started wearing them and playing great so I just continued wearing them every time I had a game. With writing phrases on my arm it started when I was taking the draw and there were specific things that I needed to remember. So I started writing 4f which were 4 words that start with f that I need to remember- focus, foot placement, form, and force”

Gavin Peters

Varsity Baseball

What is your superstition?

“I always have to tap my bat three times on the plate, far side, close, and middle. I do it after every single pitch so when I am getting ready and waiting for the pitch.”

When and how did it start?

“I think I was trying to feel where an outside pitch would be so it gives me a reach of the plate so I can feel where a strike would be or a ball. I have done it for years, probably since middle school so it has been a long time”