Varsity basketball girls say farewell to senior teammates

Black, gold, and red balloons hung from the bleacher railings to resemble Aztec pride. The last game of the season took place at the Empire on Feb. 5.

The wintery night spoke nothing but goodbyes and new beginnings. Seniors Sonya Dozier (11), Alyssa Ramirez (12), Kristin Rosales (13), Akili Alexander (15), and Valerie Rodriguez (23) were celebrated and recognized for all the love and effort put into the sport. Their families and fellow teammates all lined up along the shiny brown gym floor.

Dozier walked out on the court to join her family and friends on this special night. Disbelief was evident on her face as she took each step towards the crowd witnessing all the love from her team when they clapped as she made her entrance.

Holding her arms open, she reached out for a hug with everyone in sight. Coach Ty Burns cracked a smiled and greeted his soon-to-be former teammate.

It just felt so surreal and I realized that this was really it,” Dozier said. “Having my friends and family there was all that mattered.”

Ramirez had reached one of her milestones in her high school career as she successfully finished her high school basketball season. With support from her teammates and coach she completed the basketball season with all her effort. After watching previous seniors participate in their senior night, she finally got to experience it for herself.

Ramirez finished the night by playing a game with her family and celebrating her successes.

“Senior night was so unreal,” Ramirez said. “We would do it every year for the seniors and it was my turn now. It felt great.”

Rosales felt nothing but comfort with the presence of her teammates.  Feeling thankful for each one of her teammates, she walked down the court with a bright smile.

She made her way through the night not just with herself, but with her family and teammates by her side. Knowing that she made long lasting relationships only made the night all that much sweeter.

“Senior night couldn’t have been possible without the help and presence of our younger teammates,” Rosales said. “We’ll never forget the ones who came along with us and took on the fight to win.”

Alexander not only planned on having fun but showing the joy and appreciation that came with the sport and her teammates. Friends and family know Alexander as free spirited and joyful girl, she brought all her positive energy to the court that night.

Expressing that the night was worth the wait, she spends the rest of her time having laughs and cries as a member of the Lady Aztecs.

“Senior night was amazing and full of people cheering,” Alexander said. “It was worth every second because I felt proud of myself and received a bunch of support.”

Rodriguez went into the night feeling a mixture of emotions. A chapter of her life was ending, and she was unsure how to start a new one.

The last few years brought her many great experiences and hopes to have experiences as good as the ones in high school after graduation.

“It was a great experience, but also a sad one,” Rodriguez said. “The season is over and I will remember all the games as great experiences and hope that the rest of my life continues to be the same way.”