Friday Theme Days Build Athletic Culture

CURTESY OF DEERFIELD VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY

Sports Page Editor of the Scroll Evelyn Kunde ’26, captain of Girls’ Varsity Volleyball, explained the positive influence of Friday themes. She expressed that “...Friday themes are not only a good way to end the week on a strong note, but they are also a form of expression where you get to learn a little bit about your teammates each week with every theme. ” She stated wearing green and white before Choate day as her favorite Friday theme, though she also enjoyed the recurring themes of beach day, neon, and white lies. Additionally, Julia Yates ’26, Girls Junior Varsity Soccer captain, described that Friday games further define her team’s identity, distinguishing her team from others on campus. “I think it’s what makes us the most fun team on campus this Fall,” she expressed. “Other teams have theme days, but I feel like no team goes all out like ours. It really brings us together and gives us positive vibes before the weekend games.” Yates listed some of the most common themes the Girls’ Junior Varsity Soccer team has done in the past: “Rhyme without reason, blackout, neon day, beach, color wars, and team olympics day.” Among her favorites were rhyme without reason and color wars, which she said have almost become annual traditions. For many athletes, Friday theme days bring a sense of belonging into the team, and create long-lasting memories that are remembered even after the season. Kunde and Yates expressed how certain themes are repeated each year and how teams look forward to planning new ideas. “It’s a chance to be creative and have fun, showing our team personality before focusing on the game,” Yates said. For Dupont, she remembered when her team dressed for emo day, with players fully committing to the dark eyeliner and heavy accessories.. “It was really funny, everyone went all out,” she said. When asked about future possibilities, she suggested a “Freaky Friday” theme, inspired by Cross Country. Beyond team culture, players mention that Friday theme days offer an opportunity for teams to show unity to the rest of the school. According to Dupont, the dress-up days signal the team’s excitement and cohesion to other students and faculty. “It lets everybody know that we’re a united team about to play a game,” she said. So, if you’re ever walking to practice on a Friday and spot a volleyball player sneaking around in full spy gear, a soccer captain in a Kris Jenner wig, or even someone dressed up as an ugly boar, you’re probably witnessing Friday theme day. Dressing up has turned into a tradition that pulls everyone in, makes new players feel part of the team, and brings an extra spark heading into the weekend games.