Volleyball Senior Night: Serving Up Success

The seniors on the Womens Redwood Varsity Volleyball Team discuss their emotions towards their season as well as their plans for after.

By: Reagan King/Charlotte Brown

Senior night for Redwood’s Women’s Varsity Volleyball team took place on October 19th 2023. 8 players on the team were recognized for their participation and contributions on the team.

Audrey Hyde, ’24, a opposite for the team, says, “It feels great to be a senior but it’s sad to have to leave all of the people I love so much.”

Volleyball is a very important part of Hyde’s life. She says, “Volleyball is where I made some of my closest friendships, I just love everything about the game. I can’t see the next four years of my life without volleyball.”

Hyde will be attending Westmont College to continue her volleyball and academic career. Hyde says, “Next year I will be playing as an opposite for the team, but also planning on majoring in communications and minoring in environmental science.”

Devyn Castaneda, ’24, libero for the team, says, “It feels really sad with it being the last season, but I’m also happy because I know that this season was a good season.”

Castaneda says, “My plan is to go to college playing either beach or indoor volleyball, if I do have the opportunity both would be awesome, along with that I would be majoring in kinesiology.”

She says, “I love it with a passion and I wouldn’t be who I am without my parents helping me get better and pushing me.”

Hazel Green, ’24, a setter for the team says, “It honestly feels surreal that it’s my last season. It’s gone by so fast, full of the best memories.”

Green says, “It’s always been a dream of mine to continue playing volleyball after high school. I’ve been playing for 10 years now so stopping seems so weird to think about.”

Green explains how she wants to follow in her mothers footsteps. She says, “I remember my mom playing volleyball and watching her play. I loved the sport then and love it even more now.”

Green says, “My family has been a huge factor in me playing, they’ve always supported me since city league and they push me to play better which is more than I can ask for of them.”

Kennedy Cutler, ’24, a outside hitter and defensive specialist for the team says, “This last season with the team has been super special since I’ve been playing with these girls since 6th or 7th grade and we’ve created such a connection, but it’s kind of sad moving on since it’s been super fun being with them.”

Cutler says, “I really wish to continue playing volleyball in college, I’m not quite ready to give that up just yet, I also want to become a flight attendant so I want to make sure the school I go to has a good program for that as well.”

Cutler says, “My family has been my biggest supporters, they’re always there at every game cheering me on whether the game was good or bad for me and constantly giving me good advice.”

Ashlyn Guenter, ’24, a opposite for the team says, “This last season has been my favorite season so far, I love my team so much and I have a great relationship with each girl on the team. It’s crazy to think it’s almost over because volleyball has been a huge part of my life.”

Guenter says, “I will not be continuing my volleyball career in college, but my plans are to go to college in Utah and major in elementary education.”

Guenter says, “My most memorable moments will just be some of the conversations, laughs, and giggles that I’ve had with my best friends on this team. I think in the end, the good moments and close relationships are the things I will remember the most.”

Ava Ferguson, ’24, a outside hitter, middle blocker, and opposite for the team says, “It’s really sad since it’s the last season with the team. I love them all and we have such a good bond with each other.”

Ferguson says, “I am not going to continue playing in college, but I do plan on going to a 4-year college and major in nursing.”

Ferguson’s most memorable moment is warming up with fellow senior, Ashlyn. She says, “Ashlyn and I have been warm up partners every game. We’ve been partners since our sophomore year and it is always so much fun.”

Taylor Mcelree, ’24, a middle blocker for the team, says, “It’s definitely really sad for me with it being the last season, I’ve created a lot of great connections and friendships with these girls so knowing I won’t play another season with them is just crazy to me.”

Mcelree says, “After high school I hope to play volleyball in college, but if not I’ll be going to COS. My love for this sport has driven me to continue and when I’m in the off season I just can’t get enough.”

Mcelree says, “My favorite memory is all the times during practice or games and even tournaments where the whole team was just being like a big group of friends talking and laughing.”

Abigail Camarillo, ’24, is a defensive specialist for the varsity team. She says, “It’s bittersweet, I tried to enjoy the time I have with my team while playing the sport I love for redwood.”

Camarillo says, “Our team has accomplished so much together and we are such a talented and strong team as we have grown together for so long.” She wants to continue playing volleyball as she goes to college at COS so she can still have the school volleyball experience.

Camarillo says, “My most memorable moment would be when we finally got to play in the Redwood Gym after 4 years of being under construction and I finally got to play in there with my amazing team next to me and it brought us closer and just overall made me happy.”

Tags: #athletics, #redwood, #rhs, #senior night, #sports, #volleyball