This night is memorable and emotional to many, but to seniors, it’s a celebration of the memories, sweat, and sacrifice that have defined the journey.
Senior night is usually celebrated at a home game towards the end of a sports season. Seniors are recognized for the years of hard work they’ve given the team. The athletes go through a series of sentiments as they step onto their playground for one of the last times in their high school careers.
During the ceremony the seniors get their pictures taken and are honored by their families and community. The crowd cheers them on as they walk throughout the stadium, while being offered hugs and flowers often from their teammates.
Although it isn’t just a night of celebration; it is still a tough game for athletes. “I was really nervous because it was a big game for us for playing and we really wanted to win. Also just like the emotions were high,” said Field Hockey captain Cate Howard (25’). While the seniors are gaining recognition for their effort, they are also marking the move on from the high school sport. “I knew like the season was winding down and it was becoming like one of my last games…just being done all together sucks.”
Athletes aren’t just saying goodbye to their sport, they must also say goodbye to their teams. “I feel like…we’ve come so far with the same group of girls,” said Varsity volleyball player Abby Yuan (25’). “I just really will miss the people because I don’t see them everyday.”
When noticing the emotional aspects of the night, it’s also important to notice the sacrifice they’ve given into the sport. “[Senior night] means a lot to our student athletes and their families and that is important,” says Athletic Director here at Skyline, Delsie Sissoko. “The seniors have the combination of their hard work, effort and recognition for their time put into the program.”
The athletes have created many memories and bonding moments throughout it all. When asked to describe senior night in one word, Vera Naines (25’) answered, “nostalgic…because you remember like when you were younger on the team, and then you look around and it’s all just like people who are younger right now, about to go through the same thing.”
Senior night is a night to be celebrated and cherished. It’s not always sad or happy, it’s more of, “a bittersweet day because they are off in the next chapter,” says Sissoko. “I’m not sad. I’m excited for their future.”
“I just think…when you are given the chance to say goodbye, remember to always say thank you,” said Varsity Girls Volleyball player Izzy Moe (27’).
