Every student athlete dreams of this day, yet never really expecting it to be here so soon. There was not a dry eye in the house, as the varsity volleyball team hosted senior night on Tuesday, Sept. 19.
It is tradition year after year for senior parents to set up senior tables for everyone to see these girls’ journeys throughout the years. The photos, balloons and years of memories welcomed fans and families before they walked into the gym to see the Wildkats defeat the New Caney Eagles in three sets, 25-15, 25-15, 25-6.
“Watching the past seniors leave every year is surreal for it to finally be our time now,” senior Sophie Satterwhite said. “All of our senior tables were put together beautifully, and I am so proud of how far we have all come. I can’t wait to see how far we go in life.”
While senior night may be looked over by many peers, it is not overlooked by the volleyball program.
“Senior night is about recognition and appreciation of the accomplishments that seniors have made throughout their high school years,” senior Delaney New said. “ I loved that we were acknowledged for all of our hard work by our teammates, coaches and parents.”
Not only do the senior tables make everyone reminisce, so do even the simple things. This season is most of the players’ firsts of many lasts, remembering who they are and what they play for is just as important.
“I love getting hype for the home games and running out with all my teammates,” senior Sam Skelton said. “I love the atmosphere of the home games too. The student section really takes the game to the next level.”
Just because it is the first of many last, doesn’t mean the relationships will end. These players are now bonded throughout life. Being a part of clubs, sports and UIL during high school will change their experience forever.
“Being a part of volleyball made my experience better because when I felt at my lowest I always knew I had people I could rely on to talk to,” senior Christa Johnson said.
These girls lead on and off the court and around the school. Now It’s time to pass the fun, traditions and advice on to the next group.
“My advice to young players would be, to not take this time for granted, it goes by fast and it is important to enjoy it,” senior Haley Truett said.
These girls have left their mark in the gym, and outside of the court, but their hard work and determination doesn’t stop there.
“I wish to leave a legacy of positivity and love for the sport we play,” senior Grace Wilder said. “ It’s so easy to get caught up in the negativity of losing and the rough days, but I want people to remember someone who was excited every day to be able to practice and play and someone who never stopped encouraging her teammates.”
