To get pumped up and ready to go for a day of competition, blasting hype songs have been staple choice for captains to get their teams motivated and zoned in. This week, Varsity Captains shared their favorite songs, ranging from upbeat, pop-style tracks, to classic rock and rap.
Migyu Kim ’25, Girls Varsity Squash: “SICKO MODE” by Travis Scott
“My favorite hype song is ‘SICKO MODE’ by Travis Scott. I associate it with a pregame ritual and getting energy flowing before a match or any competition. I do really like the changes of the beats and the rhythm in it… a lot of times before matches there are a lot of jitters and nervousness, but I feel like after listening to the song, my teammates and I would feel confident and just ready to go in and play our game.”
Daniel Bae ’23, Boys Varsity Track: “Classic” by MKTO
“I think that pump-up music has a really big effect on people before their matches, and it is a really great tool to get people excited before their match or competition. It just makes me feel good… I heard it’s better to listen to chill music before a race… I want me and my teammates to feel positive and confident because there is a lot of anxiety that comes with and before racing.”
Charlie Benjamin ’23: Boys Varsity Track: “Life is Good” by Future (ft. Drake)
“I like to turn this on when, not in any high pressure moments, but more when I need to get through something, and I just need that extra little bit of motivation…. It feels like the perfect song if you were looking at yourself working in the third person… it’s not echoey, but a little surreal, and also grounded at the same time.”
Emma Cheung ’23: Girls Varsity Swimming: “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac
“My favorite hype song is probably ‘The Chain’ by Fleetwood Mac…my favorite part of the song is… this really cool bass line, where it slowly builds up, and the drums start to add in. Especially if we’re going to away meets, I like to listen to it on the bus, especially to get me in the right mindset to be ready to just be more hype, and be more energetic, for the meet.”
Trey Wolfe ’23: Boys Varsity Swimming: “Kickstart My Heart” by Mötley Crüe
“I would probably say ‘Kickstart My Heart’ by Mötley Crüe. I love rock, you know it’s kind of fast and loud, and helps to get me going. The guitar riffs are awesome. You know, if I am standing behind the block before a race, like putting the headphones on, and listening to the guitarist shred, and the drummers going nuts, I really like that.”
