Posters, flowers, and gifts for the seniors were put on display. Throughout the sets, one could see the determination evident on the faces of the players. The luminous green lights commenced the event as seniors Jaycelin Sanchez, Zariah Taylor, Noemi Reyes, and Sophia Kyama were celebrated with loved ones alongside them. Upon the Monarchs victory, winning three out of four sets against the Tennyson Lancers, an embrace was shared by the team as the crowd roared.
The 2023-2024 Mt. Eden volleyball season concluded on October 18. Both JV and Varsity teams ended the season with wins against Tennyson.
Chelsea Joy Reynoso, a sophomore and the captain of the JV volleyball team, expressed that she’s proud of the graduating seniors and how far they’ve come. She shared her observation that the seniors have been immensely committed to performing well in the sport.
Kyama, who served thirteen times in a row, said: “It made me feel excited and confident.” She shared with new and returning players that they should remember to have fun and not take anything out on themselves. Sophia thanked Coach Jules and Juliette for never giving up on her and always encouraging her.
During senior night, she recalls feeling a wide range of emotions: nervous, sad, excited, and proud. She’s always waited for that moment and, when it finally came, it was all she could ever ask for.
Sanchez advises new and returning players to play their hardest every game and practice. “Enjoy the little moments with your team and support each other through every dub and loss,” she says. Sanchez is thankful for her coaches’ continued voices, time, and effort, qualities she could never repay them for.
Sanchez felt mixed emotions during senior night. She was sad knowing it was her final game with her team, but excited for the future. She appreciates the support of her friends and family. Though she wishes their last game was more exciting, they ultimately won.
The varsity coach, Coach Juliette Gonzalez, recalls a game against Arroyo High School as one highlight of this season. “Although the team has dealt with a lot of losses and didn’t obtain their desired results— they kept going,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez regards the team as a family who has open arms to each other. “They have tremendous chemistry on court and it shows cause when you watch them it’s like seeing fire being lit. They just have that heat,” she remarks.
When asked about the seniors, Gonzalez expresses that they should enjoy and appreciate the rest of the year along with their time with their friends and family. She wants to remind them that they are still here to support the seniors.