Sophia Helvey’s eyes flicker every which way as the clock ticks down, flying from the scoreboard to friends, to players and to opponents. As the Friday night lights shine down, the crowded stands go wild, celebrating a Millers victory. And even though the freshman spent the entire game on the sideline, she takes satisfaction in knowing she played a big part in the team’s success.
Every practice and every game, the Millers football managers –like Helvey– perform countless tasks behind-the-scenes to make sure the program operates at the highest level. Often in sports, support staff can be overlooked or ignored, but those in the know understand that managers are crucial to keep the team running, even when fans cannot see their efforts.
“They film every practice, manage our instant-replay system on Friday nights. They also help gather statistics for the coaches by charting plays,” Noblesville Director of Football Operations Tim Blevins said.
Along with these tasks, managers also film practices and games, maintain inventory, ensure the team has all of their away-game equipment for Saturday night games, and control drones to record the team’s practice footage.
“Most of the time during practices, [we] film on drones, on cameras, sometimes on iPads, and down on the field. We’ve learned many things. Mostly, I think it’s technology related, because we have to upload [clips],” Helvey said.
Helvey is one of eight managers on this year’s squad. The group includes seven freshmen and one sophomore, managing the varsity, JV, and freshman teams. Helvey has learned that her job description includes more than just laundry and equipment – the Millers managers also play a part in what happens on the field during the game.
“There’s someone doing signals. A coach tells a play to me and Annika [Peabody, one of the freshmen managers] and then we act out a signal for the quarterback so that they know their play,” Helvey said.
Helvey and her twin sister, Ava, are entering their third years in the role. Like the Helveys, many of the other managers have developed a love for the game.
“Football’s just been a big part of my life ever since I was little. My dad played, my grandpa played, my uncle played. They played in college. It [has] just been something that… connects me with them more,” Peabody said.
“I started football managing in seventh grade because I was invited by the head football coach for the eighth grade team at [Noblesville West Middle School],” Sophia said. “My sister and I managed middle school, seventh grade and eighth grade. We managed the eighth grade team both years.”
The Millers managers say their commitment to their roles help keep the football team going. And the players on the team not only see their dedication, they appreciate it.
“[I feel seen] definitely by the coaches. They make a point to make us feel included with everything that they do,” Peabody said. “They are definitely…inclusive. I would say that they’re all pretty nice [to us managers].”
On Noblesville Football’s Instagram, Players of the Week are not the only ones recognized. The team’s account has hundreds of followers who can see the managers names and appreciate their hard work. The coaches also ensure that the players support their managers and applaud them before every game.
“They make sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly so coaches and players can focus on football. They take their role seriously, and I’m really proud of this group,” Blevins said. “They’re part of the team in every sense of the word.”
