Sports

Bidding Farewell

By: Brooklyn Lefeber

When the first whistle blows, senior athletes find themselves filled with mixed emotions as they face the end of their high school. We take a look at how the sports that have shaped their high school careers and lifelong memories.

High school sports are more than just games. They are powerful teachers, shaping character and instilling valuable life lessons. Sports have an amazing ability to transform us and teach valuable life lessons, from teamwork and resilience to leadership and personal growth. 

“Sports have changed who I am today because without them I do not think I would be as well-rounded. Sports have taught me teamwork and how to be a leader on and off the court,” said senior volleyball player Shelby Olivarez .

Players can often find themselves taking sports for granted because practice and the grind can drag an athlete down. But it’s important to appreciate the opportunities, friendships, life lessons, and joy that sports bring. 

“I wish I didn’t take the season length for granted. It felt like we would be playing together forever, but now that I’m at the end of the season; looking back, it felt like it went by in the blink of an eye,” said senior soccer player Nathan Wilhoit.

Working with a sports team has the ability to change us, molding us into stronger, more disciplined, and well rounded individuals. Whether it’s the confidence gained from scoring that winning goal, the discipline learned through grueling practices, or the friendships forged on the field, sport leaves an incredible mark on our lives. 

“Being involved in sports has molded me into a hard-working and respectful student. I definitely matured and hardened up with the coach I had during my high school career,” said senior soccer player Megan England. 

And as our senior athletes prepare to embark on their next chapter, they graciously share their knowledge and skills with the younger athletes.

“The advice I’d give to younger athletes is that they should always stay motivated, and don’t let a minor setback hold them down,” said senior football player Ryan Beem.