At track meets, it is easy to focus on only the athletes but what most don’t realize is that some of the most impactful people on the team work beyond the track. One of the most important people to the Westside Unified program, senior Anela Foster, has found her place on the unified track team as the team manager. She may not always be found on the track but her role on the team does not go unnoticed.
“My job is to make sure all of the athletes are taken care of and cheering them on in the events” Foster said. “I am also there to help individuals participate in the meets.”
The responsibilities of a team manager stay pretty consistent throughout the season but their role is always beneficial.
“I would say becoming closer to the team is what changes” Foster said. “As well as getting to see all of my teammates grow and become more confident.”
Foster is extremely dedicated to her team and it is something that everyone admires about her. Her favorite memories demonstrate the joy that this sport brings her.
“[My favorite memory is] every track meet” Foster said. “It gives me so much joy seeing the athletes compete in something so cool like unified track.”
The relationships one can build with a team are things they will cherish for the rest of their lives. Being a manager allows you to create bonds with so many different people and it can make sports so much more fun.
“This team means a lot” Foster said. “I have been with Unified track for 4 years and I have never experienced a dull moment. I love unified track because it is just so inclusive.”
Not only do the athletes impact the team, but the managers can have just as big of an impact on the team as well. Without team managers, sports would not run as smoothly and the accomplishments of the team would not be as great.
“I have impacted unified track by bringing my support, love, and energy because I care so much about unified events and get to see all the athletes become so confident” Foster said.
The experiences a team manager has can shape their future plans just like the same as athletes’ futures being shaped by their experiences. Foster has found her place in the unified program and plans to continue her work with special needs kids in the future.
“I plan on attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha and studying Kinesiology and ASL” Foster said. “I will be working with individuals who have disabilities in the future and have been gaining some experience through unified track.”
Foster’s journey with the unified kids at Westside is truly inspiring and it is clear to see why she is continuing working with special needs kids. Foster has proven that support and care can go a long way when it comes to helping a sport grow.
At Westside, Anela Foster’s work beyond the track has been a key part of the success for the unified track team.
