“Senior Night” is the last home game of the year for any senior who participates in sports. Some seniors may view it as any other game, and others take it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
When asked her thoughts on the night, SHS senior volleyball team member Kaelyn DeMello explained that she was excited and ready for it to happen before the game, but those feelings shifted to a more solemn tone as the game continued.
The idea of ending participation in a high school sport was much harder for some seniors. A feeling of nostalgia hit some students harder when they realized it was their last game with their teammates.
SHS senior cheer captain Hannah Dwyer shared her feelings about Senior Night. She appreciates what the SHS cheer program meant for her and the community, but she is ready to let go of it and pursue something different in college. She feels as if she has grown a lot throughout her three years participating in cheer, and she even advanced to captain by her senior year. Dwyer also mentioned that it meant a lot to her and other seniors to have a night dedicated to just them and to be acknowledged and appreciated.
When asked what they will miss most, many seniors said they will miss the friendships they have formed because of the sport and being able to spend time and work with their friends. Furthermore, some mentioned they made friends they probably wouldn’t have known or formed a connection with otherwise.
Participation in sports brings together people from all different walks of life and puts them in the same space as they work together to meet their common goal. SHS athletic programs offer a diverse climate where students can meet teammates and coaches they may not have met otherwise. Teams form bonds that are different from other friendships but just as strong. Being on a team is a huge part of high school life, so Senior Night really showcases that every member of each team is important.
Even though many seniors value their participation in sports, only a few continue their fall sport at the college level. Senior field hockey player Nora Gosnell said she would love to join a club team in college but doesn’t see herself going to college for a specific sport. She noted, “Club teams are less pressure, but it’s still competitive.” However, cheer team captain senior Hailey Ferguson said she hopes to continue cheering in college because it’s been an important part of her life for so long: “Cheering in college would mean being part of a new adventure that I’m excited for.”