Senior Owls Reflect on Their Athletic Careers

Overlake’s Class of 2018 has got pretty full plates right now. Between graduation preparations and senior projects, Overlake’s oldest students know that each activity brings them closer to the end of their high school days.

For many of those Owl athletes, that means one-and-done in post season action, and for others, the last time they’ll play at Overlake is at one of our many senior nights. For all, it’s a time of reflection on their athletic careers. 

Tennis Co-captain Anda G. (’18) has played varsity for her entire Upper School years. While her team just captured the Emerald City League title, she’ll skip the post season to focus on her senior project where she’ll travel to Belgium. For Anda, the realization of the end of her Owl tennis career happened after Wednesday’s match. “I thought, ‘Wow, that was my last match,’ and I started crying,” says Anda. “While I won't be on the court competing with them, I’ll be following them in the playoffs while I’m working on my project.”

For soccer player Ben K. (’18), his high school career ends in one of two ways. A loss on the way to state title or a state championship. Even when he’s off campus working on his senior project, he’ll return for practice. He says watching last year’s seniors prepared him for the close of high school sports. “In a way, it’s my last tie to the school,” says Ben. “When the season is over, I think I’ll feel like my high school experience is over. I’ve learned to really appreciate just hanging out with my teammates.”

Athletic Director John Wiley has seen this year’s class of athletes grow up as their coach in Middle School to their leader in high school. He says the greatest enjoyment of this year’s class is being a fan. “High school athletics is really, more than anything, the best classroom to teach them dedication. What are you going to give the game? That’s the lesson this year’s class really took to heart,” says Wiley.

On May 29th, all our Owl athletes will return for our Upper School Sports Night. It’s a celebration to recognize all teams and student athletes.

Click here to check out some photos of our senior night activities, and click here for a video provided by Tennis Coach Nate Edmunds recognizing his three senior players.

Go Owls!