The Selma High School Girls Varsity Soccer team had its Senior Night on Thursday, February 8th. Senior Nights are a special event meant to commemorate the athletes’ drive and their time within the team. For many, it’s like a rite of passage, signifying that they’re moving on from this stage of their lives.
The celebration took place at the school stadium. There were tables for each member of the team lined up displaying pictures, medals, posters, balloons, and gifts. One by one each player was called and got to stand in front of the field with their parents, getting to take in the end of their journey alongside their loved ones.
“Now that my high school soccer journey has come to an end, it truly hurts me that the bonds I created with the underclassmen and the memories created have also come to an end,” stated America Ruiz, team captain. “I will truly miss this team so much.”
America has been playing soccer for nine years, and has been a part of the team all throughout high school.
This was also a sentimental moment for their coach, Mr. Zamora.
“To the seniors I would like to say thank you for all the commitment and hard work that you put into each and every practice and game,” he voiced. “Whether I coached you for four years or one year, it was an absolute pleasure to have you be part of our program.”
With the end of their high school soccer journey, the players are headed in different directions. Some players are choosing to continue pursuing the sport, while others are setting their sights on new horizons.
“I will continue playing for Clovis Community College and from there I hope to transfer to a four-year university,” stated Irais Santos Ortiz. Irais has been in the team for four years, and played as both midfielder and defender.
Lilly Vasquez, on the other hand, is trying to explore something new.
“I won’t be pursuing the sport in college or any outside leagues. My main goal now is just getting my future after high school started,” she expressed.
Ultimately, with graduation coming soon, there are many things that seniors have to start saying goodbye to. For the fellow athletes in the school, this starts with the sports that many have been participating in for the entirety of their time at Selma High.
