The Loretto Academy gym was glowing under the bright lights, filled with cheers from excited parents, and proud friends. 

It wasn’t just any other game– it was Senior Night.

The lights changed, presenting the player’s number, as the crowd erupted in cheers for every girl. 

As the team got ready to start, the crowd stood, holding proud posters, some of the players’ faces on them, others with encouraging messages.

It was the last time the senior players would represent Loretto Academy on their home court.  

As the night went by, families kept cheering as their team scored more points, ending the night in three sets, giving one last home win for the Loretto team.

Varsity team overall season

The varsity team this year had a strong season, finishing with a winning record of 11 wins and 9 loses, for the team. 

Even though they faced challenges like a coach replacement  midseason, the team only got stronger.

It was hard on all the players, as difficulties never eased up, but it also brought them even closer.

Though the team built more than just wins– they built a sisterhood. 

With the seniors leading the way, they finished the season with teamwork, resilience, and unforgettable memories.

Seniors reflect

  At the end of the game players reflected on the season and what will come next.

Senior player Barbara Wilson said, “I felt many emotions knowing that it was my last game. It felt unreal that I made it to the end of my volleyball era..”

She took a deep breath and Barbara said, “Then it finally clicked that I was never going to play again with the same girls I played with since freshman year, and I was never going to play volleyball again in Loretto.”

While senior player Doryan Nassri said, “Knowing it was my last game was honestly heartbreaking, having been a sport I’ve played since 5th grade and playing with the same girls I did then felt really a full circle.”

Both of the girls have been playing together for four years of high school, even knowing each other since elementary. 

Barbara said, “I will definitely miss most of our strong relationship that we have off the court, especially the conversations we would have in the locker room after morning practices.”

Doryan said, “It was the bond we all had. We went through a lot together and I feel it just made us even closer.”

Senior players are usually an example to look up to for the younger generations so the seniors left a message to them. 

Barbara said, “Enjoy every last minute, even if you’re running suicides or about to die during practice, take it all in because it’s such a great experience to have lived through.”

She took a breath and Barbara said, “Don’t stress about how you will play or the mistakes you might make during a game, just play head on and trust yourself because God trusts you!”

Continuing, Doryan said, “Stay consistent. Enjoy every moment whether that be running suicides or making incredible plays just stay grounded and work hard!”

Senior Night finishes

As the gym lights dimmed and the cheers faded, emotions filled the air.

For the seniors, this night wasn’t just about volleyball, it was about years of dedication, friendship, and growth.

Their final game at Loretto Academy wasn’t the end of their story, but a reminder of how much heart they’ve given to the sport and to each other.

Each senior was given one last goodbye, walking through the court as the audience listened to what they were moving on to.

It reminded everyone that this might be their last game here, but it isn’t the end of their story, but the beginning of a bigger one. 

One full of dreams and expectations that, with no doubt, this team will be able to accomplish if they use the values this team has taught them.

Heartfelt speeches were heard from the only two juniors on the team, Olivia Montelongo and Lesley Castillo, from the junior varsity team captain, and from one of the players’ little sisters, who is part of the junior team.

Her words brought tears to the crowd as she asked her big sister not to forget her when she left for college.

Finally, the junior varsity team surprised each senior with baskets filled with things they love—a goodbye from the younger players to the team they’ve looked up to all season, ready to take over next year.

Season ends

Closing this season with some last words from Barbara and Doryan.

Barbara said, “Nostalgic, difficult, and joyful”, while Doryan said, “Perseverance, friendship, and unforgettable”.

Making it clear how much this team impacted their lives and how much it will be missed now that the season is over. 

Though they also had one last chance to play together at regionals in Dallas, where their experience did not result in a victory but an opportunity to reconnect one last time as a team.