Senior night is considered one of the most important events for high school athletes because it is dedicated to those students who spent several years working for their team and becoming not only strong competitors but also great leaders and role models. Every year schools host this event for their athletes in order to give them a chance to be recognized and praised one last time on their home court.
Calabasas High School decided to dedicate a special day to their senior boys from the volleyball team right before their match with Oaks Christian High School. From the beginning of senior night, the vibe of the gym changed completely since it became much more emotional and festive than any other regular day of the season. During that evening, each senior was introduced, and then they came out on the court with their parents, brothers, and sisters.
CHS Senior Keanu Langroudi thought that the moment felt surreal and emotional after years of dedication to the program.
“It’s crazy seeing everyone out there for us. It feels like everything we’ve worked for is being recognized all at once,” said Langroudi.
Senior at CHS Alex Gonzalez thought that sharing the moment with his family made the night even more meaningful and memorable.
“Walking out with my family was something I’ll never forget. They’ve supported me through everything, so having them there meant a lot,” said Gonzalez.
The most emotional part of the whole event was the several speeches that were dedicated to the achievements of these talented players. They included reflections made by both their coach and teammates, and the end of this ceremony was marked by taking group photos together.
Langroudi thought that the speeches highlighted the bonds formed within the team over the years.
“Hearing what my teammates and coach said really hit me. It showed how close we’ve become and how much we’ve been through together.”
With the start of the match, attention soon returned to the sport of volleyball. Both teams demonstrated that they were determined to play from the very first point served. Calabasas started strongly, maintaining a competitive game score throughout the entire first set. Long volleys and dramatic points sustained spectators’ interest. However, Oaks Christian High School eventually took control of the game and won the first set. The second set mirrored the events of the first set, as the Calabasas team continued to display their energy and determination to win.
Throughout the second set, the team demonstrated great teamwork, cooperation, and communication on the court. Each volley was fiercely contested by both teams. However, neither side managed to create an advantage. Nonetheless, in the end, Oaks Christian High School outlasted Calabasas by a mere point or two. In the third set, Calabasas attempted to save the match with a final effort. The team persevered throughout the entire match, competing valiantly through numerous volleys, rallies, and dramatic points.
Gonzales thought that despite the score, the team never lost its competitive mindset and continued fighting through every point.
“We knew it was going to be tough, but no one gave up. Every point mattered to us, and we just kept pushing no matter what.”
The fans of Calabasas supported their team, loudly cheering on the seniors who played their last match at the school gymnasium. Regardless of the extra incentive, Oaks Christian remained composed and managed to close out the third set to seal a 3-0 victory. Even though the outcome was not favorable for Calabasas, the score line does not do justice to how close the match actually was. All three sets were closely contested, with the teams being separated by only tiny margins. The seniors stepped off the court after putting in one-hundred percent effort and showing great pride in their play.
Ultimately, Senior Night was more than just a game for Calabasas. It was an opportunity to honor the dedication and hard work of its seniors.
