Last Thursday, the stands of Fertita Field flooded with fans, friends, and family to celebrate flag football’s senior night.
Before kickoff, the seniors were honored for the time, effort, and leadership they have given to the team through their high school careers. The ceremony gave teammates, coaches, and families a chance to show appreciation for the seniors’ impact on and off the field as they prepare to close this chapter of their athletic journey.
Thirteen seniors were honored, Preseah Williams ‘26, Riley Hermenegildo ‘26, Olivia Cobell ‘26, Janeza Jones ‘26, Johannah Alvarado ‘26, Avery Reed ‘26, Francesca Andriovandi ‘26, Tiare Marie Duncan ‘26, Kennedi Pridgen ‘26, Jasmine Alsua ‘26, Izzi Lewis ‘26, Andrea Santamaria ‘26, and Miah Davis ‘26.
Some seniors on the team- Williams, Reed, Cobell, and Duncan- played key roles as captains, carrying their leadership responsibilities beyond the field and applying those skills on and off the field. “As a captain, taking on the leadership role to the next level gives a different sense of responsibility and accountability. It’s more than being in charge, but being able to lead in ways such as attitude, energy, and confidence. Being a captain, taking that leadership role into the next level, I learned that it doesn’t just apply to being on the field, but even as a person in general,” said Williams.
Senior night is a special occasion because it gives players the opportunity to fact on their journey, not only as students but athletes. It marks the years of hard work and dedication to both academics and athletics, as they are honored in front of family and team mates they are able to appreciate how far they have come.
For many, this had been a dream come true, to finally be a senior and close a chapter in a much larger story. “As a captain, I took the leadership role to the next level by making sure the girls had fun but also knew when to lock in. I helped them with reminders as well so that everyone was on the same page. Senior night to me has always been something I’ve waited for since I was little. A Polynesian tradition is to give lei’s as a sign of respect and love for all that is being accomplished. Senior night means another accomplishment that I have completed and my beginning is soon coming to an end,” said Duncan.
Throughout their time playing flag football, they learned valuable lessons they will continue to use in their lives and future endeavors. They also recognized the importance of teaching the young players what it means to be successful and dedicated to the sport.
As they close this chapter of their lives, they leave with lessons they will cherish forever while passing their knowledge and leadership down to the next generation of players. “Never give up and always push yourself to become better. The coaches will be hard on you but it is only because they care about you,” said Santamaria.
These seniors have also made a significant impact on their younger teammates. Through talent, leadership, and positive attitudes, the seniors have helped their teammates through their athletic journeys. Peyton Cezar ‘28 said, “[The seniors] have taught me so many things as a player and a person. They have done so much for the team by taking the underclass[men] to the away games and helping them feel comfortable on the team.”
They have changed many younger players’ individual experiences with the sport. Jenna Garritano ‘29 shared, “All the seniors have made me feel very wanted on the team. I don’t think I would have stuck with it without them and can’t wait to make them proud next year.”
Their impact has taught other players how to be better teammates. Malia Browner said, “They taught the team…to keep God first and to respect each other at all times and how to have fun and enjoy themselves.”
As the seniors move on to college, the team is looking into the next season without them. Olivia DiCicco ‘26 shared, “It will be very hard for not only me, but also my team when the seniors leave. However, I know that they will leave a huge impression on all of us, and I want to continue what they started. I love each and every one of them and words can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve provided me.”
After senior night, the team took to the playoffs. Tonight, they take on Shadow Ridge at Allegiant Stadium to see who the next state champion will be.
