The Varsity Question Every Coach Faces

We’ve all been in that situation: you’ve got a senior or two who have been in your program for years — maybe they’ve played JV for three seasons, maybe even sat behind sophomores as juniors — and now they’re finally seniors, ready for their varsity year! The assumption? “Well, they’re seniors, so they automatically make varsity.” I don’t believe in that. Not anymore.

I used to think if a kid stuck it out in the program and passed their classes, they deserved to be on varsity as a senior. But after getting burned a couple of times, I learned there are no automatic varsity spots… not even for seniors.

Varsity HAS to be earned. It has to mean something. Otherwise, those last few seats on the bench turn into chairs filled with resentment, dissatisfaction — and, yes, team cancer. And sooner or later, those kids are going to expect to… you guessed it… play.

Even Senior Night can become a minefield. Too often, it lands on a big district game late in the season, and suddenly it’s less about the game and more about making sure “Baby” gets her moment — with no regard for the impact on winning or losing. That’s a no-win for the coach.

That’s why, even with seniors in good standing, there has to be criteria for earning a varsity spot — and very clear expectations and role clarification.

In our run to the 2024 State Championship game, I had a senior who knew she wouldn’t play much because she was behind our All-State player, who almost never came out of the game. She knew the reality, but she still wanted to be part of the experience and committed to being a great practice player. She embraced her role and was a huge part of our success. She never complained, skipped practice, or took a rep off — and the rest of the team would tell you she was as important to our state run as anyone.

Seniors shouldn’t get automatic varsity spots. If your school requires you to keep everyone, consider having tryouts for those willing to meet the physical work and playing-time parameters. Those who can’t — or won’t — can still be part of the team as non-suited members who travel and sit on the bench in team gear. Every school is different, but suiting up players just because they’re seniors rarely benefits the team. There has to be merit in putting on that varsity uniform.

At some point, the game outgrows every player’s talent. There’s no shame in that. Life will do the same thing. And when we keep the standard high, our star players know their accomplishments haven’t been watered down. That keeps integrity in the program.

Now, about Senior Night… if you want to keep the peace with the school board member and his kid, here’s my advice: start the seniors. If you have more than five, rotate them in quickly so everyone gets on the floor early, then sub in your regular starters within the first four minutes. Play to win. If you’re fortunate to have a comfortable lead (or, unfortunately, a big deficit) in the fourth quarter, put the seniors back in so Mom and Dad get their pictures. Everyone leaves happy — and you’ve still kept winning the priority.

Good luck navigating the senior minefield. Sometimes it feels bigger than the game itself — and that’s exactly why having clear, earned criteria for varsity is your best ally.