Senior season kindles emotions throughout upperclassmen and underclassmen alike as sports remain in full swing. Senior nights ultimately elicit vehemence toward the looming end of the short chapter of high school as the seniors wish a wistful goodbye to the pleasant memories of NC tennis. March 11, the NC varsity tennis seniors chose to play against the Pebblebrook High School Falcons while celebrating their senior night. Nearly halfway finished with their season, the players all shared cheerful laughs and playful jokes throughout the night after their victory, easing the rising tension of the approaching regional playoffs.
As per tradition, the underclassmen handcrafted posters that bore numerous baby photos along with snapshots of the seniors growing up. Each poster — artisanal with love — displayed every player and all their moments growing up, allowing for onlookers to reminisce on their loved one’s life. As the posters enhance the sentimental aspect of the evening, each individual also receives a basket filled with treats and goodies customized to the varying interests and preferences of the player. The containers hold an array of snacks, blankets and trinkets, spoiling the giddy seniors and allowing them to feel acknowledged and accepted by their teammates.
Senior night — while about the graduates — still requires the students to play the match; however, the line-up holds a special twist. Each senior can choose whether they prefer to play singles or doubles and who they desire to play with. This year, with three varsity girl senior players and three varsity boy senior players, the lineup remained nearly unchanged from the standard lineup.
Magnet seniors Sophia Lamb and Lena Gray, regularly at line one doubles and line one singles respectively, chose to play doubles together, while senior Olyvia Graham elected to play doubles with magnet sophomore and new addition to the team, Olivia Faber.
For the boys, senior Trevor Njuguna, the regular line three singles player, decided to play doubles with sophomore Cameron Heang, whose position varies by match. Senior Jonathan Sisouphanh also took to the court and played line one singles, ultimately winning his match. The last senior up, Sebastian Urueta, played line 3 singles and confidently swept his opponent off the court. With their sportsmanship and competitive spirits, the varsity boys won each match 8-0 against the Falcons.
“I felt so honored the entire night. Coach Drake and our other teammates made the night so special with the posters, baskets and flowers for every senior. Having everyone’s most important people attend made the crowd so electric, and I can’t wait to come back next year to celebrate the people who celebrated me,” Gray said.
Lamb and Gray won their match 8-0, assisting in the victory over the opposing team. With another triumph under their belts, the girls’ smiles shone brightly under the gleaming orange sun. Their enduring friendship appeared evident as they adjusted to each other on the court in harmony. After the win, the duo shared a memorable hug since this would act as their last match together for the rest of their high school careers.
Graham and Faber also contributed to the senior victory with an impressive score of 8-0. The win, while cheerful, felt bittersweet as the duo realized their short season approached an end, and next year, Graham would not return to see Faber excel in her new position on the team. While the time remains limited, their memorable friendship will forever hold a place in their hearts, providing fond memories to look back on.
“Joining the tennis team was such a great way for me to plug in at the school and get to know people better. I’m in the NC band, and I love it, but playing tennis allows for diversity in the people that I hang out with, and it also lets me be with Lena. If I went back, I would choose tennis again and again,” Graham said.
While departing to a diverse array of colleges and universities, each player knows that, when needed, the tennis team will lend a shoulder to help push them back on their feet. Despite the brief season, the bonds formed over late-night meals, mundane practices and frustrating matches will stay prominent despite the space apart.
The Chant wishes them luck on their future endeavors.
