Each year, teams are forced to say goodbye to some of their very talented and beloved members, the seniors. Seniors make many friendships and close bonds throughout their time playing on the team, so their final year is always a bittersweet one. This year, we have four seniors on the softball team at FHS: Anna Tripp, Braelynn Sarakas, Calie Allgier, and Laynee King. These girls contributed to and experienced a record-breaking season last year, and I was lucky enough to speak with each of them about their views not only on last season but also on this season.
Our first senior, Anna, has played 3 out of 4 years in high school. When asked how she felt about last year’s season, she said it was very exciting to get to experience that with all of the girls. She said she felt the team’s spirit was still high from that success and carried over into this year’s season to make it a good one. Her best memory from being on the team was whenever they beat North County for the first time in years. Anna had a good run with softball during high school and does not plan on continuing softball in college.
Next up we have Braelynn Sarakas. Braelynn has played softball all 4 years of her high school career. She said it felt reall good to be able to be a part of something so special last season. She believes this season has followed in the footsteps of last season and has gone fairly well. Her best memory from high school softball was beating Farmington for the first time since 2016. Braelynn does not plan to continue softball in college.
Next up is Laynee King, who has played all 4 years of high school. She says that last season was amazing and that she was very glad to be able do it with girls she’s been playing softball with since she was little. Laynee said that she believes this season could have been a little better, but for the most part feels it has gone pretty good. Her best memory from high school softball is being able to play with Calie and Brylie, her cousins, and also beating Farmington for the first time in 8 years. Though Laynee doesn’t plan on continuing softball in college, she does plan on still playing travel ball and would like to have something to do with softball in the future.
Our final senior is Calie Allgier. Calie has also played softball all 4 years. She said that last season’s achievements gave her a feeling of accomplishment from her and the team doing so well. The team has improved since last season, saying it is a better team overall. Her best memory was from this season, as she was finally able to step on field with her new freshmen teammate, and most importantly little sister, Brylie. Calie also doesn’t have plans to continue softball in college.
It can be difficult to leave something you enjoy so much, especially when most of these girls have played softball with each other since a very young age, but our seniors have bright futures ahead of them and a lot to look forward to. They have made many good memories and achievements on the team that will not be forgotten, and their hard work and dedication not only on the team but as a part of our school will be remembered.
