As fall sports seasons wrap up, balloons can be seen floating from stadium railings, posters line the fences and spirited crowds chant and sing at senior night celebrations. To mark a team’s final regular season home game and to honor senior athletes, parents, coaches and players work to create a magic and memorable night.

On Oct. 18, the field hockey team faced off against Magruder for their senior night. With 10 seniors, some of whom have been a part of the field hockey team for four years, the senior night celebration was big. Before the game began, all 10 seniors were escorted on to the field, accompanied by family and friends. “Senior night and the game both top the list of my favorite memories from this season,” senior captain Gabi Menconi said.

After the ceremony, the field hockey team left it all on the field, beating Blake 9-0. “I cried. It was a big win on such a special night. They were tears of joy,” senior captain Grace Llewellyn said.

The next night, on Oct. 19, both boys’ and girls’ soccer had their senior night celebrations. Prior to the start of both games, students began to fill the student section. The boys, whose senior night festivities were at halftime, kicked off the night by playing Blake at 5:15 p.m. Heading into halftime with a 2-0 lead and a hyped up crowd, each of 10 seniors shared interesting facts like their favorite soccer team memory, with their loved ones by their side on the field. The poms also came out to support the boys and performed during the celebration. The boys went on to win 5-0, sealing the cap on a memorable last regular season game and a special night. “Playing with the other nine seniors and getting a win feels great,” senior captain Andrew Hawley said.

On the girls’ side, an emotional halftime celebration was followed by a strong 3-0 victory. “It was a fun time hanging out with my closest friends from the team who have been by my side the whole way,” senior Jordana Socher said.

For both teams, the parent managers and volunteers worked to put together the night. “My mom put in a ton of work on my senior night poster, and it looked great,” captain Samuel Yi said.

On Oct. 20, football, cheer and poms celebrated senior night. The football team, led by senior captain Grant Saylor, who leads the county in passing yards, headed into the halftime celebration with a big lead over rival Walter Johnson. After a huge, well-orchestrated senior night celebration at halftime, the boys went on to win 50-21. Additionally, the cheerleading seniors’ names shone bright on the stadium fence. Poms also gave an emotional performance. “I love the team and am thankful for the memories, but I’m excited for what’s next,” senior Sofia Weinstein said.

Josh Messitte

Managing Editor