Every afternoon at Miami Palmetto Senior High, one can find students training for a variety of reasons. While some are practicing for championships and competitions, others head to the field just to get moving for fun. These Panthers reveal that sports do not always have to be about winning or losing; sometimes, the real victory is simply enjoying the game and taking a break from the chaos of school life.
Freshman Nisi Castillo has loved soccer since she was eight years old. For her, the sport has always been more than just kicking a ball: it is about connection. When she transferred to a new school, soccer helped her find her footing and make new friends.
“It was the first thing I could bond with somebody about,” Castillo said. “It makes me feel happy because then I don’t have to worry about winning. I can just have fun with the people I play with.”
Castillo’s parents support this mindset, and they are proud that she does not feel pressure to chase trophies or stress over scores. Instead, for Castillo, casual soccer is a way to relax, stay active and laugh with friends without the weight of competition.
Freshman Kaylee Escobedo, on the other hand, already partakes in the competitive sport world as a member of MPSH’s competitive cheerleading team. When not cheering under the bright lights, one can usually find her out on the field playing flag football. For her, this sport serves as a way to unwind and enjoy herself without the strictness of competitive cheer.
“It’s a perfect mix of being competitive enough to get a good workout but low-stakes enough that we all just laugh off any mistakes,” Escobedo said. “It’s a complete mental break from the intensity of my competitive sport.”
Senior Alex Perodin brings that same energy to the tennis courts. What started as a way to stay active after school turned into a hobby that helps him focus and feel proud of his progress.
“My favorite memory from playing tennis for fun is when I finally made a perfect serve during a friendly match,” Perodin said. “Everyone cheered, and I remember feeling proud because all the practice I’d put in finally paid off.”
For Perodin, tennis has provided him with lessons in growth and confidence.
“I’ve learned that I’m capable of doing things I once thought were outside my comfort zone,” Perodin said. “I never believed I’d be able to master the skills, but four years later, I’ve achieved things I never thought possible.”
He also believes that playing sports for leisure does not mean one is not dedicated to the activity.
“People often assume that playing a sport casually doesn’t take commitment or effort, but it definitely does,” Perodin said. “You still have to show up, practice, and push yourself to improve.”
Moreover, Perodin finds this recreational activity both grounding and rewarding.
“Playing tennis helps me stay focused because it requires being present in the moment,” Perodin said. “It’s not about how good you are, it’s about the effort you put into improving. You get to define what ‘good enough’ means for you.”
Even though Castillo, Escobedo and Perodin all play different sports in their free time, they share the same reasons for doing so. Their leisure sports offer them the chance to stay healthy, have fun and take their minds off the pressure that comes with competition. For Castillo, bonding with others is the most important benefit, whereas for Escobedo, it is about finding balance and Perodin believes it is about self-growth and focus.
All three agree that MPSH should offer more non-competitive sports opportunities.
“Some people don’t even want to try sports because they think it’s gonna be their fault if the team loses,” Castillo said.
In the end, these students highlight how sports can be memorable without medals or trophies. Rather, for them, the simple joy they receive from playing their sport is the true victory.
