Issaquah Varsity volleyball is going into its post season looking strong with a good record and rank overall. As exciting as the playoffs are it means the season is slowly coming to an end. For the class of three seniors on the team this year, it means they may be playing their last game very soon. Four years of dedication to the program will never be forgotten and the path they paved for the younger athletes to grow up in is truly a great one. With senior night coming up on Monday Oct. 28, it is becoming clear how much the seniors have meant to the team. Head Coach Tami Reese said, “They are all leaders in their own little way, and everyone respects them.” The three senior captains Isabella Benedetti, Bridget Philipsen, and Ashlyn Buck reflected on their experience and talked about what this final year means to them.
Benedetti has been with the Issaquah volleyball program all four years of her high school career. She played on varsity her junior and senior seasons, having the chance to step into the role of a captain in her last year with the program. When asked about how her role has changed Benedetti stated, “It’s made me become more responsible and committed to the team and have more of a leadership role rather than just staying back.” With senior night nearing, Benedetti expresses how she feels both excited and sad, “It’s a little bit of both,” and shares “It’s all just so much fun but don’t take it for granted. Make the most of every memory, like even if it’s just the little things make the most out of it and be present in the moment because it is going to go by so fast.”
Philipsen is a four-year varsity athlete and is now playing her last season of her high school career as a senior captain. In Philipsen’s words, “One of the most important things about being a captain is just including everyone and making sure people are comfortable.” Reflecting on her years as an athlete, Philipsen states, “It is really fun, but it is also kind of bittersweet, cause its ending. I’m trying to enjoy it while it lasts. Everything goes by really quick.” With the Eagles having an overall record of 23-2 and ranked first in their division one week shy of playoffs, Philipsen says, “I’ve been with this program for so long and I think we have a good potential to go to state. I would really want that for my last season.”
Buck is spending the final year of her high school volleyball career as a senior captain and the team’s starting setter. When asked about her senior night, Buck said, “I’m kind of sad because I feel like this season has gone by really fast. I’m just sad that it’s going to be over because I don’t want to leave the team.” Buck spent three years on varsity and learned so much from her coaches and teammates. Some advice she has for younger athletes is “Always be in the present moment and enjoy what you have because things can change quickly and you’re not always going to have the same team or have the high school sport experience again,” said Buck.
The team is hoping for a big crowd and a win against Juanita for their big night. Traditionally, past Issaquah Volleyball players have come to show support for the next graduating class and the team does their best to make the night as special as possible. Fortunately, this game will not be their last, as the team is going strong heading into the playoffs.