The seniors have finished their final seasons of volleyball and softball after losing the state playoffs. They won their past region tournaments but were unable to make it past the state playoffs. The softball season ended off their season with a record of 15-13. The volleyball season ended off their season with a record of 28-17. While they hoped to have a longer season, the seniors from both teams made fond memories by bonding with their teammates.

Left to right: Liza Mobley ‘23 and Ava Thompson ’23 celebrate their softball Senior Night as they hold flowers in their hands. Photo courtesy @waspirit on Instagram.

Ava Thompson ‘23 of the softball team feels bittersweet about her last softball season at Woodward. 

“The season ending was very bittersweet,” Thompson said. “Although I am excited to pursue new things, I will deeply miss and cherish the time I’ve spent on the team.”

Thompson appreciates the sense of community that softball brings, specifically bonding with her team and her coaches. 

“I am going to miss the people the most,” Thompson said. “I became super close with the players and coaches and I loved being with them every day after school.”

She reflects on the fond memories during their team road trip.

“My favorite memory was the team road trip to Buc-ees’s because it was a time when we all let loose and had fun together,” Thompson said. 

Caitlin Katz ‘24 of the softball team values the close friendships she has formed with her senior teammates. 

“I’m really going to miss these seniors,” Katz said. “I have gotten to form really good friendships with both of them and it will be very different without them next year.”

Katz treasures the fond memories she made with her fellow teammates during their Savannah trip. 

“I think my favorite memories with them this year were from going to Savannah,” Katz said. “It was such a fun time bonding with them and the team on the long bus ride including a fun stop at Buc-ees and hanging in people’s rooms at the hotel when we were not playing.”

Colette Sinkfield ‘23 of the volleyball team similarly admired the bonds she has made with her teammates. 

“It honestly didn’t even set in until senior night, but it’s really bittersweet,” Sinkfield said. “I’m glad I’m graduating but I’m gonna miss these girls so much.”

Sinkfield revels in the support she and her team received from the energetic crowd from the elite 8 game in 2021. 

“The elite 8 game in 2021 is by far my favorite memory,” Sinkfield said. “[It was the] most hype crowd I’ve ever experienced.”

Caroline Sanders ‘23 of the volleyball team expressed gratitude towards her teammates and the close bonds they share. 

“This season has been so special because the team is so close and we all have a great connection,” Sanders said. 

Sanders reminisces on the experience of the enthusiastic feeling before playing a volleyball game. 

“I am going to miss being a teammate in that sort of setting and home game pre-hype,” Sanders said.

Overall, Thompson finds that enjoying playing a sport that you love is a priority for her over all other aspects. 

“I want to leave a legacy of happiness,” Thompson said. “Hopefully, I set a good example for my teammates to remind them that the most important thing is fun. I wanted to make sure they enjoyed playing the game for themselves.”