As the clock counts down and athletes fasten gear while the game, match or meet approaches its start, many athletes turn to music as their final pre-game boost.
Whether it is a nostalgic hit or upbeat track, Bulldog athletes play various tunes to settle their nerves, get pumped up and prepare to compete. Swimmer and junior Blayze Borroto, volleyball player and senior Ethan Hamiprodjo, tennis player and freshman Garran McKay and track and field athlete and junior Tiffany Chu share their go-to pre-game hype songs.
“Firm Foundation” – Cody Carnes
Borroto said that this worship song helps her get mentally prepared for competing. She listens to it while getting ready on meet days and often plays it at home with her family.
“I like that it reminds me of who’s in control and that God is with me throughout my performance and throughout the competition,” Borroto said. “I think that it’s just a good reminder, a good reset and sets my mind ready because I think a lot of swimming is mental preparation.”
“Private Landing” – Don Toliver (feat. Justin Bieber & Future)
Rap is known for bringing liveliness and motivation to any setting with its fast-paced, rhythmic lyrics, and “Private Landing” is no exception. Hamiprodjo said that he likes the beginning of the song in particular because of the way it gets straight into a compelling beat.
“When I’m getting ready, it lets me kind of isolate myself,” Hamiprodjo said. “It lets me be focused, kind of like distracting myself.”
“Timeless” – The Weeknd (feat. Playboi Carti)
McKay’s game-day favorite is “Timeless,” the lead single from The Weeknd’s sixth studio album. Both artists on the track highlight their accomplishments and timelessness, boosting listeners’ trust in themselves and their capabilities, according to McKay.
“It hypes me up, [but] it’s more about focus because I need to think about things before I go to the match,” McKay said.
“24K Magic” – Bruno Mars
An upbeat, funk-inspired pop track, “24K Magic” gets Chu ready to run as she warms up with her team. Its celebratory tone boosts confidence and promotes a winning mindset.
“I feel like it gives me good energy and helps get the team hyped-up for a meet,” Chu said. “If you’re listening to music with others, it just makes it a lot more fun. I feel like it brings our team together when we start singing together.”
With game-day nerves and stress being a shared experience among athletes, music has established itself as a form of encouragement and comfort in the world of sports. These athletes’ go-to songs offer them mental clarity and confidence that fuels their performance as they step onto the field or court.
