At the end of every Oxford high school sports season, student athletes in silly costumes can be seen all around campus to celebrate Senior Night, a day when seniors are recognized for their commitment to their sports programs. The underclassmen athletes show their appreciation for their partnered seniors through gifts and posters, while the seniors get to dress them up in themed, handmade outfits.
For the fall season, cross country and girls’ volleyball, golf, and tennis are continuing the Senior Night traditions, demonstrating how these bonding experiences contribute to the teams’ dynamics.
“Getting to know a senior that chose you as their buddy was fun, interacting with her at school and then also having the group chat with the other girls. I feel like it helped me get closer to them,” freshman volleyball athlete Arabelle Lee said.
Lee, dressed up in a Peanuts-themed outfit, was incredibly excited to present the assortment of gifts she and her group had put together for her senior. To Lee, it was more than just Senior Night; it was about the chance to interact with other girls from the junior varsity and varsity levels.
“It’s always been [about] wearing costumes and seeing the seniors [having] a good laugh,” senior varsity captain Chloe Nguyen said, reminiscing on her own days as an underclassman.
Though Nguyen had previously spent her time preparing for Senior Nights, this year she was able to continue the tradition as a senior herself, leaving behind meaningful memories for the underclassmen to remember her by.
Senior traditions aren’t just a characteristic of volleyball, however, as other fall sports like cross country participate in celebrating their seniors.
“Senior Night allowed us to get to know the seniors a lot better. It shows their personality and what kind of things they [might] enjoy, or find funny,” senior varsity cross country captain Kaden Le said.
Le has cherished the memories made with previous seniors throughout the years with similar gift exchanges to girls volleyball. Now nearing his own Senior Night, he hopes that he has built a strong enough connection with his underclassmen to receive that same admiration.
Le states that through Senior Night, bonding with people from all levels develops a sense of respect towards the veteran runners. Those who have had more experience in the program become role models for incoming freshmen. These dynamics form and only bring the program tighter as time progresses.
“If you’re connected with people who might run faster times than you, you’re going to eventually want to do as good as they do. And it motivates you to push harder and try to improve yourself,” Le said.
Senior Night has become a full circle moment for all seniors, allowing them to realize just how far they’ve come. It is the one day to showcase all the gratitude felt between seniors and underclassmen.
“Walking onto the court during senior night and just see[ing] all your buddies in their costumes [who] made posters [and] baskets [for you], it just all hits at once. ‘Cause it’s like, wow, this is your last time doing this,” Nguyen said.
