"The Last Game With My Sisters" by Berenith Ortíz

It was a day full of emotions. I had tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. After four years, it was the last time I would ever play with my teammates. I love playing volleyball, but what made it even more special was how I had another place that felt like home. My teammates had become my family. Ever since freshman year, I would always tell my mother, “Can you imagine when I get to be like the seniors that were lining up?” On that magical night, she responded with, “That day is today.” I started the evening by warming up before the game. I went up to the gym and all my teammates were there waiting for the seniors to enter. They had decorated the gym with posters and pictures. I covered my mouth in shock! They made the seniors line up in the lobby until they called each name. I was the last one to enter the gym. My coach started to talk about how I improved over the four years. She explained how I developed into a good leader and had become patient. Then she called my name. As soon as my first foot crossed the threshold, all I heard was everyone cheering and clapping for me. My heart started pounding really fast as I approached her. I made it to my coach and she hugged me and gave me a flower. As I began walking, another teammate said, “No Bere, come over here.” At that moment the rest of my team caught me into a huge group hug. I never knew they felt so much appreciation for me. We were all laughing and clapping as we took our positions on the court. We easily won the first set and all threw our hands in a circle in celebration. We lost the second set and knew we didn’t play our hardest. Our coach huddled us up and said, “I know you guys can do better than this, let’s go.” The third set was intense; we were all breathing hard and dragging our feet. As the captain, I had to keep the team calm and focused. Our confidence grew and we won. We lost the fourth set and there was one more to go. The crowd began cheering and we changed our strategy for the last set. Everyone on the court was yelling “Let’s go Whalers, let’s go!” which motivated us and we started playing with more energy and focus, eventually winning the game. We all went crazy, screaming, cheering, and jumping up and down. After the celebration we all sat on the floor and our coach congratulated us for having a strong season and for being dedicated players. What I will remember most from that night was the connection I felt to my teammates during the final team bear hug at the middle of the court after our big win. It truly felt like I had a home full of sisters. I felt so appreciated. I wish that moment never ended. I took out a paper to read a small speech. As I was reading, my eyes filled with tears. I thanked my coach for letting me be part of the team and giving me the responsibility as captain. I also thanked my girls for always being there and never giving up. “I will always remember you as my sisters,” were my last words on a truly wonderful night. Berenith Ortíz Science & Technology Magnet High School of SECT Architecture/Engineering @ Central Connecticut State University