This weekend was a sneak peek to why 11 senior girls are missing the “biggest night of senior year”. Growing up, movies like Pretty in Pink, 10 Things I Hate About You, and High School Musical 3 all have in common: the biggest event for most 17 year olds… the final school dance. Years of anticipation build up to the “best night of your life” and the night you will “never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever forget!” High School musical quotes in song. Every teenage girl dreams about her perfect prom day; not these players.

Senior Cate Schnell has been playing volleyball for over 10 years. She has made it her life passion and has worked hard to become a committed athlete at the University of Tennessee. Once committed, a surplus of athletes just like Cate continue playing competitive matches in a shortened season to finish off the 18s season… but at what consequence?

She says, “I believe that it is all worth it. I enjoy the sport of volleyball and see it in my future. A dance is a dance and overall I am gaining more going to Columbus. Working on my craft and working at nationals to complete my ten year goal. Sure, I’m missing out on times with my high school classmates, but I’m getting more time with my girls [Coast VBC]”

Ryleigh Patterson, volleyball player at Cathedral Catholic, has given up so much of her highschool experience chasing her dreams. She spends hours studying and working while also having to deal with the load of being a student athlete. She focused all of her time on school and volleyball for four years and is able to see that pay off very soon when she heads off to college at Harvard University. Instead of being able to take a load off and enjoy what senior year has to offer, she continues playing this club season to be with her team even if it means missing prom.

She speaks on an international trip they recently took to Japan saying she is “It’s not everyday you hear about international teams being able to go overseas. The ability to do that in highschool is an amazing opportunity and a once in a lifetime experience.”

I have always been a fan of the school dances although I have never been able to fully experience the process. While most girls calculate multiple days out prior to get perfectly prepared, my experience is exactly the opposite. The day of the dance, usually a Saturday, is often spent rushing from volleyball practice straight to the hair salon, onto the nail salon, and back home to get ready in 45 minutes for pictures. So when I found out the dance was the same weekend I was defeated. Not only was I a huge movie girl and wanted to live out my childhood dream, but I also really love the aquarium, this years prom location!