Harvard Crimson Kids Spotlight Series:
The traditions that exemplify Harvard Athletics are passed down from one generation to the next. The new Harvard Crimson Kids Spotlight Series will profile some of our younger and most passionate fans.
The Song Family:
The ritual of sharing Harvard's traditions plays a central role in the Song family. Soyoun Song '98 and Megan Basil '98 met one another in Lowell House as undergraduates. As student-athletes, Megan and Soyoun shared a unique bond. Soyoun was a varsity alpine skier, and Megan played on the women's varsity basketball team that upset Stanford in the 1998 NCAA Tournament.
Both incredible athletes in their respective sports, Soyoun and Megan have shared their passion and love for Harvard Athletics with their four children: Maddie, Lucy, Oliver and Henry. The Songs live just outside of Harvard Square, so they haven't ventured too far from campus. Living in close proximity to the athletics complex, the Songs walk across the river as a family to attend games and cheer on the Crimson. Not only do the Songs frequent games on campus, but they make a point to cheer on Harvard in Hanover, New Hampshire, when they play at Dartmouth every winter. The Songs are just one of countless examples of how traditions are passed down from one generation to the next.
In this Spotlight Series entry, you will get to hear from Oliver and Henry Song, the two youngest of their four children. They are 10 and 8 years old, respectively, and are die-hard fans of the Harvard women's basketball program.
What sports do you play for fun?
Oliver: "I play baseball, basketball and soccer, but my entire family loves to ski. We go to Okemo Mountain in Vermont every winter and we always make sure to see Harvard play at Dartmouth when we spend time up at the mountain."
Henry: "I also play basketball, and we have a hoop in our yard. My brother and I play against our sisters all the time. They are older but take it easy on us!"
What is your favorite subject in school and what do you want to be when you grow up?
Oliver: "My favorite subject is writing, and I want to be a marine biologist."
Henry: "I like physical education."
How long have you been going to games and why is it so much fun?
Oliver: "My parents have been taking us for as long as I can remember, and we meet up with our close friends. Sometimes, we get to meet players and shoot around on the court after the game. It's also fun to watch this level of competition. The players are really good!"
Henry: "Before the renovation, we used to run underneath the bleachers and play hide-and-seek with our friends, which was a lot of fun. I love watching the games but getting to meet up with our friends is the best part about going to the games."
Who are your favorite players?
Oliver: "She graduated a few years ago, but I always enjoyed watching Sydney Skinner play. She was extremely talented."
Henry: "My favorite player is Jadyn Bush. My siblings and I met her after a game once. She was nice to us. I love shooting around after the game and having the chance to meet the players on the court."
What snacks do you like to have at games?
Oliver: "Sour Patch Watermelon and Twizzlers."
Henry: "Sour Patch Kids and pretzels."
If you were one of the coaches, what advice would you give the team?
Oliver: "Don't be afraid to take the shot."
Henry: "Even if it seems like you're not going to win, keep playing hard and don't ever give up."
