Recognition in sports can take many forms, but one of the most common is the “player of the game” award. Whether it’s announced after a win or used to highlight effort during a tough loss, this type of recognition can shape how athletes approach both practices and competitions. For many high school athletes, it serves as a motivator, but not always in the same way.
For some players, being named Player of the Game is a powerful confidence booster. It validates the work they have put in and shows that their contributions matter. Athletes often feel a sense of pride when their effort is noticed, and that recognition can push them to continue improving. When players know their hard work might be acknowledged, they tend to give more effort, both physically and mentally, during games and practices.
“It makes you feel proud of yourself when you get it… Everyone wants to be recognized for doing their best and helping the team,” said Isabelle Barna, volleyball player and senior.
The idea of motivation tied to recognition also shows up in how athletes handle challenges. For some, the award is not just about performance but also about mindset and growth. It can encourage players to reflect on their behavior, effort, and attitude, especially during difficult moments in a game.
“It motivates me to try my best… If I have an attitude, I fix it to better help the team,” said Natasha Ortiz-Aleman, sophomore and lacrosse player.
Coaches often play a key role in shaping how meaningful these awards feel. When recognition reflects effort throughout the week—not just game-day performance—it can become more impactful. Athletes begin to understand that preparation, consistency, and effort are just as important as what happens during the game itself, both in games and during competition.
Jules Gibson, senior and on the stunt team, said, “I think the recognition and being recognized by your coach for the effort you put into the week is really rewarding and definitely motivates all of us to do better.”
However, not every athlete views player of the game as a strong motivator. Some believe that focusing too much on individual recognition can take away from the team aspect of sports. Instead, they emphasize personal growth and pushing beyond comfort zones rather than being rewarded for what they already do well.
Grace Stauffeneker, senior and softball player, said, “It doesn’t motivate me because it’s not about being the best, it’s about doing something out of your comfort zone, not something you do really well.”
Even so, many teams try to structure these awards in a way that reinforces teamwork rather than individual dominance. By recognizing effort, attitude, and teamwork, teams can keep the focus on collective success while still acknowledging individual contributions and encouraging stronger communication among teammates.
“When we win, it is based on our stats, or if we are losing, it comes down to who had the best attitude and who was being the better teammate which motivates us to work harder to get it,” said Colby Storie, senior and LAX player.
Ultimately, motivators in sports vary from athlete to athlete. For some, recognition like player of the game fuels their drive and pushes them to improve. For others, internal goals like stepping out of their comfort zone or supporting teammates hold more value. The key is finding a balance that encourages both individual and team unity.
In the end, awards like player of the game are most effective when they highlight more than just talent. When they recognize effort, attitude, and growth, they can inspire athletes to become not only better players, but better teammates as well, both on and off the field.
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