Senior night is something you hear about long before it actually arrives. You watch your teammates go through it, you celebrate them, cherish the memories, and try to imagine what it feels like when it’s your turn. But nothing really prepares you for the day it becomes real, and it's officially the last time that you get to play in front of a home crowd.
As I went through my day, I found myself reflecting on everything that had led me to this moment: the early mornings, the tough losses, the victories, the practices, and the people I’ve encountered along the way. The relationships I’ve built during my career mean the most to me. Marquette introduced me to so many wonderful individuals, including Ella Foti. She and her family graciously invited me to be a mentor in their nonprofit organization, Milotso, where I have had the opportunity to meet some truly incredible people.
Because of Milotso and the community they influence, my senior night was truly memorable. The AL was filled with enthusiastic students from the Madison and Milwaukee school districts, many of whom may have never seen a volleyball game before today. This added a new dimension to what Senior Night meant for me. Yes, it was my last time playing in the AL, and yes, it was about celebrating my journey and the people who helped me get here. But it also became about something larger: the impact of our actions, the connections we forge, and the realization that what we do extends beyond ourselves.
As I ran onto the court, feeling the energy and seeing the arena packed with people, especially the kids, it struck me that this wasn’t just my last home game; it was a moment they would always remember, too. We have Milotso to thank for this experience. They provided the kids with a chance to see what high-level sports look and feel like, inspiring them to dream a little bigger. Coming from a small town myself, I had no clue what high-level sports looked like until I was in high school, and even then, I didn’t realize it could be me playing on that stage.
After the game, we had a chance to meet with the students. Being able to chat with them, hear their excitement, and see their smiles up close was incredibly rewarding. They weren’t just fans in the stands anymore. Some of them asked questions, and some just wanted to say hi. You could tell how much being there meant to them. And honestly, it meant just as much to me.
I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day! Senior Night is always about memories, relationships, and the journey we share. For me, it was also about the crowd, the noise, the excitement, and the feeling of being part of something bigger than just a game. It served as a perfect reminder of why we play, not just for ourselves, but for the people who support us and for those who might one day find themselves in our shoes.
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