Seniors on sports teams, whether it be volleyball or not, often look forward to the day they are celebrated for their hard work and dedication. Senior night does just that. A night where posters line the walls, face cut-outs fill the stands and families can celebrate the commitment their soon-to-be graduate took to get to this point, the night is often filled with both the usual energy that dominates sports events as well as emotion and poignancy.
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, Brighton High School’s varsity volleyball team took a dominant 3-0 victory against Hartland. Not only was it important due to it being the last home game of the season, but it was also senior night. Seniors Ruby Pennala, Delaney Gilmore, Riley Copenhaver, Kenadi Frederick, Vivian Jones and Kate Mogelnicki were all recognized in a pre-game ceremony, in which they were given gifts and commemorative speeches from their fellow players.
As a long-term member of the varsity team, Ruby Pennala stepped onto the court that day filled with a mixed bag of emotions, including sadness, as she remembered all the memories she had made during her four-year tenure on the varsity team—but also gratitude, forever grateful for the opportunity she was given to make those memories.
“I will definitely miss all of the laughs, game days, practices, team-bondings and, of course, all of the special friendships I’ve made,” Pennala said.
Another long-term member of the varsity team, Delaney Gilmore, shared a similar sentiment when it came to the memories she made during her four years on the team.
When asked about what she’ll miss the most about this team and her teammates, Gilmore said, “It is hard for me to pick the thing I will miss the most because I will miss everything about this team, and I am hoping to go as far as possible in the playoffs, not just for the wins but also for more time with this group of girls.”
As the night came to a close, the players were able to leave the gym with full hearts and excitement over the rest that was to come. For these seniors, the night wasn’t just a goodbye to their home turf and home crowd; it was a celebration of their time and commitment to a team that appreciated them just as much as they appreciated it. And as playoffs loom ever closer, they are confident in not only their successes but also the camaraderie they’ve gained throughout their tenures on this team.
“I will miss playing with my best friends who never failed to brighten my day every day at practice,” Gilmore said.
