Op-Ed: Why superstitions belong in sports

After the University of Houston’s loss in this year’s March Madness final, fans immediately started searching for someone, or rather something, to blame. The something? Senator Ted Cruz. Although it sounds far-fetched, his attendance at Texas schools’ games has become a phenomenon known as the “Cruz Curse.” This “curse” claims that any Texas team is bound to lose if Cruz shows up to support them. So, do sports superstitions actually influence the game?  If you want my take on it, yes and no. Not physically, but emotionally, mentally, and culturally— absolutely. 

But is this theory backed by data? Actually, yes. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, “ritual guides goal-directed performance by regulating the brain’s response to personal failure.” This means that instead of getting frustrated at a mistake, a ritual can help calm the brain and get players emotionally steady.

There’s also a more straightforward explanation, which for many fans, it’s oddly satisfying to believe. It gives an emotional loss a clean, almost cosmic explanation. It wasn’t the team’s fault — it was Cruz’s. Honestly, that’s what makes sports superstitions so compelling in the first place. For many of us, they help us cope with losing games. 

But when does a superstition become an excuse for not doing well? As someone who has watched superstitions unfold on campus, these rituals and beliefs play out firsthand through students preparing for their sports matches.

“I have a comprehensive routine. I go through a static stretching routine, and then when I get on the court, I wipe my shoes with my hands to get some grip on them and reset myself. Then I walk up to the net, and then to the inline, and then back, and I take a deep breath,” CVHS Boys Volleyball senior Max Phillipe comments.

For me, simple preparations like this make it clear why sports players value their superstitions and show precisely how sports superstitions can be reinforced healthily. As fans and athletes alike, people find comfort in routine.

“Even though it sounds silly to other people, my pregame ritual gives me a lot of confidence because it’s something I have always relied on,” CVHS Boys Basketball Senior Isaac Antao notes.

They give us a sense of control in environments that have a lot of unpredictability. In a high-stakes game where anything can happen, routines provide structure. They can quiet the nerves, boost confidence, and let us believe that luck is on our sides.

Antao similarly participates in a pre-basketball game ritual. “Two hours before I go to the gym near my house, I warm up with the guys there. Then, on the way to the game, I listen to Man on the Lakers on repeat, and kind of envision myself through the lyrics,” states Antao.

What fascinates me most is how widespread this is. Nearly every sports culture has its own version. Baseball players won’t step on the foul line, soccer players kiss their wrist tattoos before taking the field, and the CVHS tennis team, rituals are just as widespread.

“Okay, so the first thing I do is stretch in the morning with things like touching my toes. I also have a prayer rug I sometimes use, not even to pray, but to start my day off in a positive way,” CVHS Senior Tennis Player Samir Kassam states.

However, I’ve also watched superstitious play out on the other side of the spectrum. Some fans refuse to wash their “lucky” jerseys and even insist on sitting in the same bleacher spots, game after game, season after season. It’s almost funny until you realize how serious the people who believe in these things are. Instead of mocking them, I’ve found myself thinking back to all the times I’ve also been victim to this superstitious culture. 

Although not as extreme, I also rep certain college t-shirts when my favorite team is playing, or turn my eyes away from the screen because I think they’re performing better when I’m not watching. More than truly believing it works, it makes me feel like I’m part of a tradition, even if it’s my own. These small rituals help me feel connected to the game and other fans who are just as emotionally invested.

That’s not to say I think rituals can literally determine the outcome of a game. I don’t believe in blaming politicians and washed jerseys for poor shooting percentages, but I do think superstitions serve a psychological purpose that’s worth respecting. They make fans feel involved, give athletes a way to mentally prepare, and unite people under a shared belief.

With that in mind, maybe it’s time we stop pretending we’re completely rational when it comes to sports. Instead, let’s acknowledge the myths and little rituals and ensure they don’t get out of hand by recognizing them as confidence exercises rather than necessities. 

So ask your teammates about their rituals, share stories with other fans, and immerse yourself in the culture head-on. Remember in the end, all those victories aren’t just the work of a lucky jersey— it’s the players, their dedication, and a love for the game.