Put Your Headphones On: The universal language of UMKC athletes

   Music can be a powerful tool for connecting teammates, helping bring athletes out of their shells and preparing them for a game. 

   For UMKC softball, their low-energy start to the season led them to come together through music.

 “Softball is a mindset,” said Elleana Navarro, a senior business student who plays shortstop and second base. “The mindset changed after everyone gave me their music. I put the foundation of songs that everyone can vibe to.”

   The softball playlist is a representation of all players’ music tastes with some repeat artists being Rhianna, Justin Timberlake, Pitbull, Don Toliver, J. Cole and Drake. 

   “Some girls are shy and music brings them out of their bubble. Seeing new girls dance to songs brings a new kind of relationship to your teammates,” said Navarro. 

   Conversely for track and field senior, Alaine Rivera, soft songs are the go-to before a race, with her preparation song being “River” by Leon Bridges.

   “I get extremely nervous for my races and the music helps me get grounded,” said the psychology and criminology major Rivera. “I have enough adrenaline brushing through my veins, [hype songs] become counterproductive.”

   Music reflects the mood of athletes, many choosing songs that help stabilize their energy so they are prepared for their sport. 

   “Music can make the grind more enjoyable since training is repetitive. Music turns routine into rhythm,” said sophomore tennis player Alessandra Xibilia, who is pursuing a liberal arts degree.

   Silence serves athletes as a tool of reflection, being able to take moments after a hard game or loss. Spirituality in music can also be a large part of getting ready for a game.

   Zaire Harrell, a guard for the basketball team and criminal justice master’s student, chooses to listen to “God in Me” by Mary Mary before games.

   “I keep the same major songs in rotation, it helps the process of getting my mind right,” said Harrell. “Music connects me to my teammates, especially my international ones.”

   Music is more than a collection of notes, it is the universal language connecting teammates across different languages and backgrounds.

   “The greatest part about music is not only how it helps connect with yourself, but how it helps connect with your community through a shared love of sport and music. Sport is the one that teaches the message and music is the one who makes sense of it and allows you to embrace it,” said Rivera. 

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