Four years of hard work, dedication, and countless memories, wrapped up in a single night. Cathedral Catholic closes out its fall sports season and celebrates new beginnings by organizing senior nights. The evening is spent acknowledging athletes for their commitment and impact on the team and community.

Each senior walks out alongside loved ones to symbolize who has been with them every step of the way. Their coach offers kind words about each senior, giving each one their moment in the spotlight. Families and friends hold up posters and cardboard cutouts to show their love, while teammates cheer on the seniors during their final high school game.

Mia Labayen, a freshman on the JV volleyball team, explains what senior night looked like from her perspective. “The seniors walk out with their family and friends and all their amazing accomplishments are recognized. It’s a bittersweet ceremony especially after building a strong relationship with the team. We wrote them letters, baked sweet treats, and got to watch them put it all out on court together.”

She also shares, “It was really inspiring and emotional to see some of my biggest role models on the court giving it their all. I think everyone will miss them and senior night is the best way to acknowledge all the great things they did, not only during the season but in their everyday life.”

Senior night doesn’t only impact the seniors, it is also a time for younger athletes to witness the legacy they hope to carry on.

Olivia Dianda, a senior on varsity flag football and soccer, gives advice to upcoming athletes, sharing what she believes is most important. “I hope they realize how special these moments are and never take them for granted. I want them to see that the work they’re putting in now matters and that being a good teammate, showing up for each other, and having fun is what it’s really all about.”

Although this ceremony focuses on athletic successes, they are also supported in their career paths after high school. Maddie Brown, a senior on varsity field hockey, explains that talking about goals after high school are moments when the team’s bond is strong.“We would all talk about our dream schools and they would give us feedback on whether they saw us there, and it was fun going through that mini selection process with them.”

From their first practice to the final game, seniors are celebrated and acknowledged for their commitment. While this night marks the end of one chapter, it also opens the door to new beginnings. Their impact inspires younger athletes to work hard, cherish every moment, and play with determination.