The last year of high school speeds by. Anyone can soak it all in by joining a new extracurricular, like a sport, because you will never regret it. “Senior year is more than just the tests,” says Gabi Arocha (‘26). “It’s a way to release the stress of it all and just be a kid.”
As the winter season began this year, four seniors took on a new sport not for the thrill of a win or a title, but for the experiences, laughs, and endless memories.
For the first time in their journeys as athletes, Arocha (‘26), Heather Shriberg (‘26), Stephanie Chen (‘26), and Sofia Nazarian (‘26) decide to play Skyron Hockey, which has changed these seniors last year at Skyline for the better.
What started as just a funny idea, these four had no idea how meaningful the time they have spent together would be. Both on and off the ice, they have now enhanced their last winter season with no regrets.
They decided to join the team as a way to try something new. “I’ve always wanted to play hockey ever since high school began,” says Chen (‘26). “But, I thought that this year, being the last chance I really have to play hockey…I should just pull the trigger and do it.”
Their friendship has become so much stronger now that they spend every day practicing together. “I like getting to know others on the team more,” says Arocha (‘26). “Whether that’s locker room chats or just making jokes on the ice, it’s been really nice becoming a closer team.”
Sports have an effect on friendship, where you learn to help each other through all the highs and lows. “My friend thought it would be a fun idea to join the team,” says Nazarian (‘26). “We do lots of clubs and classes together, but to connect on an athletic level makes a big difference.”
Hockey has challenged them in ways they might not recognize until they take a step back. “I feel like I have gained a lot of useful skills both in [hockey] and in other things,” says Shriberg (‘26). “It was hard to learn everything at first, but now it has become easier to work through challenges and lean on friends for advice.”
As the season went on, the seniors became more confident on the ice. “At first, this sport was so different from any other ones I have played,” says Arocha (‘26). “After playing for about a month now, I am proud of the progress I have made and my ability to never give up…even when I [literally] fall down.”
The overwhelming consensus of these four athletes is that making the most out of the little time you have left is worth it. “Everyone should try a new sport,” says Shriberg (‘26). “Especially since our time playing high school sports is almost over, it’s not too late to make the time you have left well spent and a super nice thing to look back on.”
