This past volleyball season was so much more than just drills, practice, and games. It was a season filled with laughter, memories, and pure thrill. On the court, we developed a connection that enabled us to play really competitive volleyball, winning games against schools we always thought were unbeatable. The bonds we built off the court were even more precious, and we formed a family. To our four seniors, thank you all for greatly contributing to making this journey possible and enjoyable. We are not ready to let you all go.
Annabelle Eaton, ever since I met you in club season 11s year, I’ve always wanted to play with you. Now, after three school seasons together, I can happily say that playing with you has made every warm-up, every practice, and every game more fun. I truly enjoy all the little things you do that spice up the season: singing opera in the locker room, reciting Shakespeare to me, tapping one another’s dangly earrings, singing the national anthem together, and so much more. I’ll miss my pepper partner next school season, and I know your admirable drive both on and off the court will lead you to do extraordinary things.
Lacey Armistead, you are the heart and soul of the team. I love how you laugh at just about anything and everything. Your humor and contagious laughter always make practice so enjoyable. Even though the things you laugh at are literally someone diving funny or the fact that we couldn’t find any ducks in the scavenger hunt, your ability to get the entire gym laughing is priceless. During games, the feeling we share when I get a kill off of your perfect set is unmatched – always turning straight to each other, wide-eyed. I am genuinely so grateful for all the time we’ve been able to spend together, ever since kindergarten at Montclaire. The program will not be the same without you next year, but I know you will continue to positively impact all those around you with your magnetic personality.
Ana Weinstock, you are the sweetest human being I have ever met. Whenever I am stressed at a game, I always walk over to you to give you a high-five, and your smile immediately melts away my nerves. This past season, it has been so precious to have someone to talk to who is so similarly minded on so many fronts, especially with us both being mesmerized by the fact that we are both nearly adults. I’ll miss your goofiness and nurturing charisma next year, but I know both of these qualities will lead you to do great things in the near future. And never forget, cheers to our matching plants!
Kaitlyn Dyer, you are a ray of sunshine, and you light up every second. I still remember my freshman year, when we played Kings Academy. You and I were standing on top of the bench cheering “sideout” chants at the top of our lungs. Through our stomping and yelling, we became friends, and I knew this was just the beginning of many laughs we were yet to share. Over the past three seasons, you have been such a supportive teammate, and the team and I all really appreciate your fun-loving energy on and off the court, even when you slap me so hard on my back that it hurts for the next few plays. Nonetheless, I am truly so thankful for all the laughs and talks we have shared, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
You four made this season so special, and the team will never be the same in your absence. Even though the season may be over, I am so glad we still have the rest of the school year to continue to bond and make more memories together.
