As senior athletes move on with their lives, they fall into two groups.

Some, like senior volleyball player Avery Barrett and senior sprinter Anthony DiCesaro, will continue their sport into college. 

“To say I will be playing volleyball in college is a great feeling. It proved to myself that all my hard work in silence was finally recognized, and there are coaches who see something in me,” Barrett said. 

Other senior athletes, though, have concluded their sports careers, like senior lacrosse player Alexa Sherman and senior soccer player Will Penrod. 

“It’s crazy knowing I won’t be playing soccer anymore. I’ve had a great time through my high school career and also my club experiences,” Penrod said. “I’ve cherished every moment and enjoyed the journey, even though it always did not go according to plan.”

Either way, playing sports in high school has taught these athletes important skills both on and off the field. 

“Playing lacrosse has taught me how to work with a team and to never give up, even when you feel like it is not worth trying anymore,” Sherman said. 

DiCesaro also sees the value of athletics.

“Sports have molded me into a better person,” DiCesaro said. “The biggest thing I have learned is to be a leader and push everyone around you to do better.”

Some of the best memories Barrett made in high school involve her sport. 

“My favorite moment playing volleyball was playing in front of a bunch of college coaches at AAU Volleyball Nationals. I played some of the best games of my life there and gained a ton of confidence from that experience,” Barrett said. 

There have been lots of highs for these athletes. But the lows are what makes them into the people they are now. 

“I had three different coaches throughout my four years of high school lacrosse,” Sherman said. “You have to be able to adapt and adjust to the new situations.”

Penrod also saw the benefit of struggle.

“There has been lots of adversity in my career,” Penrod said. “We were never really as skilled as other teams, but our drive to keep pushing and stay motivated made the team and me feel better about ourselves.”

DiCesaro and Barrett are both excited about continuing their sport in college.

“I look forward to making memories that one day I can tell my kids about, and hopefully the friends I make along the way can be there with me,” DiCesaro said. 

Barrett is also looking forward to next year.

“I can’t wait to play against all of the competition at the collegiate level and experience what the sport I love is like at the next level,” Barrett said. 

Penrod, meanwhile, has wrapped up his playing days, and he already looks back fondly at his soccer days.

“I will always be grateful for every moment. I don’t regret anything and left everything on the field,” Penrod said.