Blue Devil Girls’ Volleyball Salutes its Seniors

Five seniors who have given their all to the Huntington High School girls’ volleyball program were celebrated last Friday night at Senior Day in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium.

Megan Donaghy, Rana Elfaham, Lauren Gennarelli, Renee McKean and Haileigh Smith stood front and center as the Blue Devils celebrated the careers and contributions of the splendid group.

All five seniors saw extensive court time and all of the veterans shined. The underclassmen on the team decorated the gym and head coach Todd Donaghy presented each of the seniors with a framed Huntington “H” varsity letter and a colorful photo of the player in action.

Donaghy spoke about each of the seniors during a formal ceremony. Tears flowed and there were tight hugs and heartfelt applause and lots of photos.

“Wearing a Blue Devil uniform means a lot to me,” Ms. Donaghy said. “It is an accomplishment to say that I have been able to play volleyball for the last five years and being able to compete on the court wearing a Blue Devil uniform signifies the teamwork, hard work and commitment we all put in and strive for as athletes.”

The teenager is also a Huntington track star. She has not yet finalized her college plans. “Without a doubt can I say that I’ve enjoyed my experience as a member of the volleyball team,” Ms. Donaghy said. “We have had our ups and downs, but what I have come to realize is that our team has never failed to put its best foot forward and we always push each other to be the best we can be. While the teams are always losing through graduation and then adding new members, what I can say is that the people I have met are definitely people I’m sure that I will continue to be friends with past high school.”

The seniors were touched by the ceremony and happy so many family members could join in on the fun.

“For me personally, Senior Day was an incredible experience that I will hold onto for a long time,” Ms. Smith said. “The game itself seemed to be some of the most confident and comfortable volleyball we’ve played all season and I enjoyed every minute of it. It’s sad knowing that the other seniors and I are reaching the end of our time playing volleyball at Huntington and for some of us this will be the last time we play the sport either all together or competitively. But I will forever be grateful for the experience and I look forward to watching the program progress through the underclassmen we are leaving behind.”

Each of the seniors contributed in their own unique way to the success of the program and to each other’s growth as players. All of them will be missed and will be difficult to replace.

“Although I only started playing volleyball as a junior, I can state confidently that it has truly impacted my life,” Ms. Elfaham said. “I’ve been on many teams and most of the time it always felt like an obligation and not just something you feel passionate doing. However, with volleyball, especially my senior year, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The atmosphere that surrounded the team was so welcoming and light hearted that it made being on the team that much better. Wearing that jersey and showing up every day for practice made me wish that I had tried out for the team that much sooner than I did. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start my senior year and end my time playing volleyball in Huntington. It truly inspired me to show up each day and give my all 100 percent of the time.”

The seniors and the team’s underclassmen worked together seamlessly this fall. They were great role models and set high standards for work ethic and competitiveness.

“I have enjoyed my time playing volleyball for Huntington immensely,” Ms. Elfaham. “It truly felt like a family, whether it was the jokes being exchanged between teammates and coach; the bond created in an out of the gym or the singing along to the frozen soundtracks. But no matter what, through all of the jokes, we always had each other’s backs and that’s what truly made my time playing for Huntington one of the best.”

The crowd was unusually large and especially loud. A contest was held for the loudest fan with a $50 gift card to Rosa’s pizzeria presented as the prize.

“I have had an incredible experience being in the Huntington volleyball program,” Ms. Gennarelli said. “We have grown so much as a team over these past few years and it has been such an honor to have been a part of it. I am thankful to have played with such an amazing group of people and there is no doubt in my mind that the team will continue to do great things in the future.”

Superintendent James W. Polansky was in the crowd for the pre-meet ceremony during which the seniors were honored.

“Wearing a Blue Devil volleyball uniform to me represents the hard work all Huntington sports have put in,” Ms. McKean said. “I am proud to represent Huntington volleyball every time I put on the jersey. It shows the hard work, the determination and the perseverance our team has exhibited. It means that I am part of a strong, committed and talented team.”

Coach Donaghy undoubtedly wishes that all of the seniors could return for one more year and help Huntington win a championship, but that’s not in the cards. All of that said, none of the teenagers will ever be forgotten.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience playing volleyball at Huntington,” Ms. McKean said. “Through my time on the Huntington volleyball team I had the pleasure of being coached by Coach [Carrie] Postel on JV and Coach Donaghy on varsity as well as playing with a great group of girls. I am grateful for everything this team has showed me and the friendships I have made because of volleyball.”