By Anna Mefford
When you see multiple balloon arches around the school, along with a few Instagram posts, you know it’s fall sports senior week. Senior week is a tradition at Lovett, giving the most veteran athletes the recognition and love they deserve for being the leaders of their respective sports.
On Wednesday, the Volleyball seniors walked the court after “setting out” North Atlanta (beating them in 3 sets). Every senior got to play, and they absolutely crushed it.
Sloan Balsley, a senior captain committed to play D1 Volleyball at Dartmouth, averaged 3.1 kills per set. Senior Ali Waignwright aced the ball 7 times (winning on the serve). Finally, Katy Scott was a beast on the net with 9 soloblocks.
“There was something different about playing as a senior in that game. There was much less pressure,” said senior Abby Thompson.
Every younger teammate was assigned to make a poster for a senior and bring them flowers. The parents set up a balloon arch in the middle of the court for the seniors to take pictures under with their parents.
Safe to say there is a lot less storage on their phones now.
“I think I got 200 pictures,” said senior Cassie Bell.
Not only did they take pictures with their parents, but many other seniors also came to support their peers. Seniors Vane Steedman, Nadia Infante, Scarlett Rouland, and Ansley Obrien all came into the gym with homemade posters, cheering on their friends.
“The energy was infectious in the gym,” Katherine Molner said. ”I did not doubt in my mind that this would be a quick game through all the love and support we had.”
Senior week did not end there.
On Friday, the senior cheerleaders, football, esports, water polo, and cross country players were all celebrated before the football game and during halftime.
Once again, the balloon arch made an appearance, and even more photos were taken. Each senior walked the track while the announcer, Mr. Chow, listed all of their achievements.
“It was so awesome getting celebrated by the whole school after 4 years of track,” said senior Ishan Desai.
After the senior walk, the football team played a great game against Therrell. Knox Thomason, Cade Mackenzie, and Luke Darsey all scored touchdowns. Senior Ford Diffley, junior Thomas Strang, and John Githens had interceptions. Finally, Hunter Silliman had a huge play, sacking the quarterback.
“There was something different about the energy on senior night,” said Gunner Jones. “We were beasts,” senior Trey Quackenbush added.
The following Monday, senior festivities ended with a fall sports lunch outside Rally Field. They were served Jaliscos. “I came back for thirds,” said senior Thomas Burch, “and don’t even get me started on the cookie cake,” he added.
Junior cheerleader Eloise Graber spoke for many underclassmen when she said, “We love our seniors; this season would not be the same without them.”
