Careers

In many high school football programs, the players, coaches, and support staff work tirelessly to make the season a success. But one often-overlooked contributor is the team manager — a behind-the-scenes volunteer who plays a crucial role in ensuring everything runs smoothly. For CentralStar Research Associate Kaitlin Houghton Schueller, team manager for Mason High School football, Mason, Mich., this role also offers a special opportunity to connect with her father, Coach Gary Houghton.

 “My dad has been coaching in the Mason Public Schools/Mason Athletic Department system since I was 7 years old,” said Kaitlin. “He started at the third-grade level and followed my older brothers until they were in high school. He became head coach for the freshman football team in 2012 and then moved on to be the varsity head coach in 2016.”

 Kait’s football-support-staff responsibilities started early in life. “I’ve been his manager every year since I was 7 years old – so you can say I’ve been volunteering for 20 years. I started to have a lot more involvement in the team, though, when my dad became the head coach.”

 Her volunteer duties have changed over the years, but regardless of what they are, they all play an important role in keeping a successful high-school-football team on its game. “I manage all equipment, our water boys/ball boys who are the young middle-school-football players who help out, assist the athletic trainer in preparing for the game, collect all stats at the end of the game from stat keepers, help our IT guy with all camera/iPad/film equipment, and then help with warmups.” Of all Kait’s duties, the task that gets the most chuckles is also one that has the biggest price tag. “It’s my job to make sure the coaches and players stay within the sideline box area. If they step out of it during the play, that ends in a penalty, which could impact the outcome of the game. This is something we kind of joke about, because it really is just me pulling coaches by their shirts back off the field during a play.”

 Volunteering as the team manager has allowed Kait to stay connected to her father’s passion for the game, while also helping the team succeed. “It started out as a way to hang out with my dad and brothers, but turned into something that my dad and I have bonded over,” added Kait. “I love working with the coaches and seeing the players grow over the years in their capabilities and character. I know I have little impact as a manager on the players themselves, but I like to think my efforts in ensuring they’re properly equipped and safe while playing helps to prevent injury. I also love being a part of the Mason community, and the best way I’m able to do that is through managing the football team.”

 For many CentralStar team members like Kait, volunteering offers more than just a sense of pride — it also provides an opportunity to build relationships and foster community. “In addition to managing football, I also coach varsity softball at Mason; it’s wonderful having my softball players come see me on the football field after the games. It allows me to check in with them, see how they’re doing, and to help them where I can. I think the best part of it is the community experience and being a part of the lives of today’s youth.”

 Kait’s role as team manager highlights the importance of community involvement, especially in environments like high school programs. “At this point in my life, I know because I’m closer in age to some of the kids than the coaches are, it makes them more comfortable asking me questions about college, education, and some life skills required to transition from high school to college/adulthood. It has allowed me to see the perspective of younger generations coming into the workforce and being able to relate to them more.”

 Volunteering for the Mason High School football team offers Kait a chance to engage in her community while contributing to something that brings people together. As a team manager, Kait plays an indispensable role in the Mason High School varsity football team’s success, while also strengthening her connection with her father and the broader community. In high school sports, the teamwork and dedication of volunteers like Kait are often what help turn good teams into great ones.