You see them before games. Athletes wearing headphones or ear buds. They are zoning in on their upcoming game or match, preparing themselves mentally for what’s to come. A few athletes shared their favorite pre-game songs to get them hyped up.
Catalino Garza’s, 10, favorite song to warm up to play baseball is “’Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars. “I grew up listening to Bruno Mars, and this song resonates with me the most,” Garza said.
DJ McCoy, 12, a member of the football team, says his warm-up song has to be, “Real Spill” by Lil Baby. The fast-paced, deep lyrical meanings make McCoy feel “motivated to keep going, and to think of my future in this sport.”
Some use warm-up songs to focus on what’s ahead of them or use them to feel more confident.
“It gets my hype and makes me feel 1,000 times more confident in my abilities when playing,” said volleyball player Myri Booker, 10. The song she chooses to play before she competes is ‘Conceited’ by Flo Mili.
Track athlete Skyler Joseph, 12, said his favorite warm-up song is, “Yeah Glo!” by GloRilla. This song makes him feel in the zone. “It gets me in the zone that I need to be in to compete,” he said. “It makes me feel like I can do anything.”
Wrestler Kentrell Washington, 12, listens to his warm-up song, “Bored” by Deftones. This alternative rock song sets Washington into a greater piece of mind. “It gets me into a superior mindset before my matches, it controls my nervousness,” he said.
Tennis player Illiana Skinner, 12, uses a more alternative, indie song, “Seasons” by Sam Austin. “The fun beat makes me wanna be on my toes, hopping around when I warm up my forehand and backhand.”
