How do high school sports shape senior athletes’ lives?

Senior and lacrosse captain Thomas Volosin became more confident as he stayed on the team and became captain. As a freshman, he was less close with his teammates, but as a senior their team chemistry grew and they played even better. (Courtesy of Thomas Volosin)

Participating in high school sports has significantly impacted many seniors’ lives. From building confidence to enhanced leadership skills, high school sports have made seniors grow as humans in addition to improving seniors’ overall health and creating meaningful memories. 

 Senior Holland Young, varsity cross country and varsity captain track runner, looks back on her high school career and mentions how throughout her four years in each sport, she became more of a team player.

“I didn’t initially think of myself as a team player before I joined cross country and track,” Young said. “But over the years, my integration became complete.” 

Young goes on to say she enjoyed the bus ride back from state as she basked in the feeling of finality with the other runners. 

“Having the feeling of finality of the season on our backs but also looking forward,” Young said. “We got back really late and it was really fun, seeing the light rail. It was one of the best times in my life.”

Senior Colin Cerise,  ultimate frisbee player, varsity cross country runner, track runner and volleyball player, mentions how he enjoyed seeing himself become a better player as the seasons continued. 

“The improvements became clear as I just got faster over time,” Cerise said. “And for ultimate frisbee, it was cool seeing myself become one of the older players and becoming one of the better players on the team.”

Cerise looks back on his ultimate frisbee career and adds on to mention how the last tournament he played in was his favorite memory. 

“It was very emotional and nice,” Cerise said. “The whole team was there, walking up to me and telling me how much they enjoyed playing with me…half the team was crying.”

Thomas Volosin, Captain senior lacrosse player, saw himself building his team chemistry with his teammates along with being able to lead the team as a captain. 

“[I saw myself] building chemistry with my teammates and being able to lead on the field,” Volosin said. “It’s made me more confident and helped me become a better leader.” 

Volosin thinks fondly back on a memory of winning the Metro Championship during his junior year against Bainbridge Island.

“It was probably one of our best games of the season,” Volosin said. “We came in expecting a tough game but we ended up winning by eight or nine points..being able to win the Metro Championship was pretty awesome.”

Captain baseball player senior James Sand witnessed himself becoming more athletic and becoming more of a leader throughout his journey of baseball. 

“I got a lot faster, stronger, and became a better leader on the baseball field,” Sand said. “Statically, I hit the baseballs harder, farther than I would have ever thought.” 

Sand reflects back on his baseball career and mentions how an extra practice adds to the team’s skill. 

“Getting up early on Saturday mornings to practice for the team while the other teams don’t practice,” Sand said. “It makes us a much better team.”