Four years of long practices, games and team bonding all come to a close as each senior player makes their final mark in their sport. Seniors score their final goals and the number they’ve worn for years becomes an archived symbol of the place they held on their team. From the late-night workouts to the weekend games, student-athletes have dedicated their time to build up their skills and, of course, win games. Each senior spends their last game reminiscing on the sport they may never play again as they hold onto the moment for as long as possible. The final game for seniors is accompanied by many highs and lows, but ultimately, the memories last a lifetime.
This final game may be the last time they ever play the sport, as many will not be continuing their sport in college. They’ve spent years playing the game they love alongside friends and teammates that they’ve played alongside since childhood. They used to fool around while playing the sport as a kid before recognizing their true love for it. The hours devoted to their passions sometimes felt like a burden, but for many, it was just one small part in the journey to a lifelong love for the sport.
For most, the stress of the never-ending workload of school work piled on top of all the extra hours spent at sports practices and games will be one aspect many student-athletes will be glad to let go of. Having to cram schoolwork and college applications in before and after practices is common for senior players. The after-hours of practice are times that should be spent socially, but instead, many students experienced sleepless nights. This feeling slowly vanishes as senior athletes’ schedules begin to clear up and they use their free time to participate in more social activities for their last year of high school. Seniors will miss the long hours of playing, but they will now be able to relax without the hustle and time commitment of their sport.
While having more free time is an aspect many players look forward to, the structure of the program helped keep them involved and in shape during their four years. Senior athletes got to spend their high school experience on the field alongside their teammates, some of whom will never participate in an activity together again. Many senior players may feel accomplished in all that they’ve balanced and worked for, but this feeling can be bittersweet as the chapter of their lives spent playing a sport comes to a close.
Having the recollection of playing a sport in high school is one that many will hold onto forever. Whether their name was printed on their school’s banner, they just played the game for fun or they plan to continue their careers at the collegiate or professional level, high school sports have brought many memorable moments. Senior athletes cherish their last moments on their teams, which is just the beginning of the memories they will hang onto in their final few months as high school students.
As each player makes their last mark on their program, their time spent on teams will not only benefit them in terms of personal growth but will also forever be a positive, lasting memory.
