Saying goodbye and letting go of something that has been such an important part of your life is never an easy thing to do so who can blame the Huntington High School girls’ volleyball team’s seniors if they want to hold on tight just a little while longer?
The Blue Devils celebrated Senior Day on Tuesday afternoon, honoring longtime players Kiara Gelbman, Grace Heuwetter, Cat Jamison, Peyton Kalb, Madelyn Reed, Isabella Toscano and Steli Vlahos. None of them really wants to say goodbye just yet and who can blame them.
Peyton Kalb returns the ball for the Blue Devils on Senior Day. (Darin Reed photo.)
Huntington head coach Lauren Visbal spoke warmly about what the teenagers have meant to the Blue Devils over the years. Underclassmen took turns addressing the seniors and telling them and the crowd how much each of the teenagers will be missed next fall.
“It’s very surreal that this season has come to an end,” Visbal said. “I have had the pleasure of coaching these girls for five years. They are the group I started with and are very special to me. I have watched them grow over the years and have seen them mature into fine young women. Their work ethic and passion for this sport have played a significant role in the success and development of the volleyball program. Our team has gone through highs and lows, but have always managed to keep a positive attitude, which is inspiring.”
The gym was decorated with gorgeous posters and portraits affixed to the walls and bleachers commemorating the career of each player. The biggest home crowd of the year turned out for the event, adding to an overall festive atmosphere that helped make it a special time for everyone.
“We have had an emotional season and today is the end of an era since seven of us are seniors,” Vlahos said. “Our team is so close, it’s really upsetting that it’s over. Volleyball has been one of my favorite parts of high school because of my team and our friendships.”
“Steli Vlahos has worked very hard defensively on this team,” Visbal said. “Her desire to succeed aided in the improvement of her passing. Having an injury her senior year did not set her back; she remained positive and enthusiastic for her return and was so supportive of her teammates along the way. It was great to have her back on the court for the last few games. She has a big heart and will be missed.”
The seven players have been such an important part of Huntington’s program for so long that it is difficult to imagine next year’s team without their presence on the court.
“Being able to wear this uniform for four years has been an absolute privilege,” Kalb said. “Walking down the hallway and seeing my teammates wearing the jersey represents such a family. That is one of my favorite parts of this team. And honestly, I’m not quite ready to let it all go, but wow what a journey we’ve been through together.”
“Peyton Kalb is someone who never gives up,” Visbal said. “She works very hard at practice and is always looking for ways to improve her game. Her positive spirit helped keep the team strong when we were down. She has grown so much as an athlete and will be missed.”
One by one each of the players was announced to crowd. As they made their way to center court, their parents joined them for an individual tribute and to pose for photos.
“Wearing the uniform for the girls’ volleyball team over the years has definitely grown on me a ton,” Heuwetter said. “I’m so sad to not be coming back next year, but so grateful for the wonderful experience and memories I have made with my coach and amazing teammates.”
“Grace Heuwetter has worked very hard to improve her game,” Visbal said. “She was always open to critique and has been much more successful this year at getting kills and blocks. She has a hilarious personality that always kept the team smiling and laughing which will be missed.”
It was definitely an emotional day for Huntington’s players, who helped the team reach new heights last year, but who struggled through an injury plagued season this fall. Just being together every afternoon meant a lot to the teenagers regardless of whether they won or lost.
“Senior Day has always been a special day for the past three years,” Toscano said. “Up until this point, I’ve always been on the giving end of this day. It’s strange to imagine myself never putting on my volleyball uniform and playing in the gym ever again. As my high school years are coming to an end, I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have represented our school in volleyball.”
“Izzy Toscano is a very strong-willed player,” Visbal said. “She works very hard to improve her game and has been a significant defensive player. Behind that tough exterior is a kind and funny girl who loves to start dancing at random moments. Her work ethic is impressive and she will be missed.”
All of the seniors are currently sorting through their college options. Cat Jamison, the team’s star has been recruited to play at NCAA Division I Bucknell University.
“Over the past five years, being on this team has been the highlight of my life,” Jamison said. “I am so beyond grateful for the experience and memories. We’ve come so far. I cannot be prouder of this team. Saying I’m going to miss it is an understatement. We all are truly family. And we are all looking forward to giving our all one last time together on the court today.”
“Senior captain Cat Jamison has an immense role on this team, leading in kills and digs,” Visbal said. “Her enthusiasm and raw talent made her a force to be reckoned with on the court. She is an exceptional person both on and off the court and this team will not be the same without her.”
Senior Day was an emotional experience for players and their parents as well as for Visbal and the team’s underclassmen. Everyone could sense that change is coming, but no one wanted to think about it.
“Wearing the Huntington uniform has meant being able to play the sport I love with my family,” Gelbman said. “We’ve grown and improved together over the years and I cannot wait to see what each person goes on to do.”
“Kiara Gelbman is a wonderful teammate and has been an important part of our team defensively,” Visbal said. “She is always open to advice from others on how to improve her game. She works incredibly hard and is a constant support to her teammates. Her kindness will be missed.”
The players didn’t try to hide their tears. That’s how much playing for Huntington has meant to them. They have grown to love their teammates and rally behind them whenever anyone needed support.
“Senior Day was so special and one of the most memorable days I’ve had at Huntington High School,” Reed said. “Wearing the Huntington uniform has been an honor and a privilege. My high school career would have never been the same if I hadn't been a part of the volleyball program. The lessons I’ve learned will certainly carry with me through college and into life. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings.”
“Senior captain Maddie Reed has worked so hard at improving her game,” Visbal said. “She is so good at tracking her opponents and anticipating where they are going so she can defend the net. She was our leading blocker and contributed many kills. Maddie is a ray of sunshine on this team and will surely be missed.”
An exciting match with powerful Smithtown West followed the ceremony. It was a night that none of the seniors will ever forget.
“Senior Night was spectacular,” Visbal said. “Although we lost the match, we never lost our team unity. They fought with heart and never lost faith in each other. This team is a family and will always be close. It’s difficult to believe these girls will be graduating this year, but I am so proud of what they have accomplished.”
