When performing in high pressure sports and mentally challenging competitions, some athletes attempt to block out distractions and carry on despite the adversity. Others turn to the comfort of superstitions.
This is no different at Loyola, where athletes partake in various pregame, in-game and postgame traditions to help them consistently compete at the highest level.
Softball requires a lot of mental strength, so there are often superstitious players. Sophomore outfielder Shannon McGee is a Loyola player who relies on superstitions.
“I’ve always been a really superstitious person and that shows on the softball field as before every game I listen to ‘Superstition’ by Stevie Wonder, I always rub dirt on my bat before I hit and I always tuck my batting gloves inside my pants instead of my back pocket,” McGee said.