Have you ever chosen a jersey number because it’s supposedly your lucky number, or your favorite soccer player wears it?

In high school sports, multiple factors fall into students’ decisions on their jerseys. To these athletes, a jersey number is more than just a digit. They can symbolize personal identity, athletic legacy, and even team culture, making them a significant part of the high school sports experience. “As the girls’ soccer coach, I always love seeing players fighting every year over a jersey number because its their lucky number or they always ‘have to’ wear it too,” Christopher Thompson said.

For student-athletes, their jersey number can be their favorite number since childhood, a tribute to a professional athlete, or a number they consider to be lucky. Choosing a jersey number is deeply personal to some, as they have to wear that number for the rest of the season or throughout their high school career. “I chose number one because it’s my favorite number and I’ve just had it throughout most of my high school career,” senior Skylar Cohen said.

The significance of a jersey number doesn’t always end with graduation. Athletes may continue to wear the same number in college or even into professional leagues, allowing them to maintain a connection to their high school sports years. It’s a way for these athletes to reminisce about their high school sports and the story behind their jersey number.

Certain numbers are chosen due to tradition. Players often choose a number that was worn by alumni who are friends, family or old teammates. The tradition of passing down a jersey number can link current players to a long line of athletes who came before them, making the number personal to the player. “My mom wore the number six when she was in high school, so I decided I wanted my lacrosse number to be six as well,” sophomore Caleb Cook said.

Jersey numbers can also represent a player’s position or role. Assigning jersey numbers to specific positions or roles allows teams to create game plans. “Lower-ranked numbers traditionally are reserved for centre-backs, while the likes of higher numbers in seven, nine and 10 are dedicated to the star playmakers, attacking midfielders and prized forwards,” according to the soccer website Goal.

Athletes develop an emotional bond with their jerseys, which can be powerful. A number worn during a winning season or a personal best performance can become motivation. Losing or changing a number due to team rules or a senior graduating can greatly impact a player by making them feel like they are losing a part of their athletic identity.
Earning a specific jersey number through one’s hard work and dedication can be a major milestone marking personal growth and achievement. “I think after making varsity soccer and basketball as a freshman, any number I wear is super significant to me because it symbolizes my achievements and the hard work I’ve put into making the team,” junior Megan Lomotan said