Harper Travis
Staff Writer
The celebration of the seniors on the Alexandria City High School volleyball team took place on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at the ACHS gymnasium. The nine class of 2022 seniors are Avery Peters, Jill Jones, Maura Munson, Lila Randall, Kaitlin Peters, Rachel Wilson, Tess Lundgren, Natalie Keough, Meaghan Wendling, and team manager Annie Tucker, together labeled “the nasty nine.” Every year the ACHS volleyball team works together to create an emotional and memorable send off for the seniors.
The night honored their leadership and celebrated the accomplishments that the senior players have experienced throughout the course of their high school career, including winning the state championship and two consecutive undefeated regular seasons.
To prepare for the festivities of senior night, players from the Freshman and Junior Varsity teams, and underclass Varsity team players came together to prepare and decorate the gym. Players spray-painted large sheets with the seniors’ names on them, decorated seniors’ cars, created baskets of goodies, hung posters, created collages, and fellow varsity players wrote speeches to the seniors.
Randall said, “The best part of senior night was walking into the gym to see all the decorations. It was super rewarding to see all the hard work teammates and coaches put into making that night special.”
Munson said, “I felt sad that [senior night] came so fast, but at the same time was so happy knowing that everyone put in so much work to make sure I had a great night.”
This emotion-filled night included a game bombarded with loud cheers, hugs, tears, and many long-lasting memories. Before the game started, seniors walked onto the court to receive their basket with their loved ones while their speech was being read in the background by varsity manager Aaliyah Royster.
Lundgren said, “My favorite part of senior night was hearing all of the other seniors’ speeches and seeing where we all started versus where we ended up.”
This senior class are more than just teammates, they are best friends. All of the seniors have been playing together since they were 12 years old, which has created unbreakable bonds. “My favorite part of senior night was getting to celebrate with my best friends and remember all the fun times we’ve had,” said Wendling.
Keough said, “I will definitely miss playing with the OG seniors because we have been playing with each other for 6 years and no team will compare to them.”
The support of the players and fans both on and off the court was radiating throughout the gym. The ACHS bleachers were full of excited fans and parents cheering and smiling.
Keough also said, “My favorite part of senior night was hearing the audience cheer everyone on after the last person was announced. I felt really happy to the point where I couldn’t stop crying because of how much support we have off the court.”
Wilson said, “The environment on and off the court with my teammates motivates me to be and play the best I possibly can. The constant support from my teammates and coaches is something I will forever appreciate.”
Senior night is a tradition that many seniors look forward to and envy. Senior night has always been and always will be a special night for all the players and coaches. It is a time to say goodbye and remember all past achievements which have made their high school years memorable. “Senior night has been a moment I looked forward to for all five years with AC volleyball,” said Jones.
Avery Peters said, “It means that things are coming to an end, I have been playing for so long so to have a game where I know it’s the last time that I will be playing with all the seniors for a final time is very emotional.”
Senior night is a meaningful and special time to say goodbye while remembering all that the seniors have accomplished and learned together.
Kaitlin Peters said, “Senior night is the one night where all the seniors can celebrate our friendships and how far we’ve come playing at ACHS.”
