A Bittersweet Goodbye

The fields are now empty as the spring sports season has ended, leaving athletes and coaches reflecting on their successes and failures throughout the season. The Jefferson Academy sports teams have had an incredible spring season, leaving school records to beat.

“We give it our all and no matter what the result is, I'm very proud of them and everything that they did,” said sophomore Bella Van Dyke.

For team sports such as soccer, baseball, and lacrosse, the end of the season can lead to higher feelings of sadness, especially for the seniors. However, athletes involved in sports that are more individual, such as track and field, often have different perspectives.

“I’m not really too heartbroken since it's more so like an individual sport,” says junior Shalini Mathai. “I’m going to miss some of the seniors that I’m always with though.”

Despite the season unfortunately ending, the majority of the athletes are very happy with their performance throughout the season, and are grateful to have their teammates pushing them to their highest potential.

“We all push each other to be the best we can be and plenty of other players who are more experienced on the team have given me tons of pointers on how to get better fast,” explains junior Demetrius Maldonado.

Additionally, other athletes, such as sophomore Nyah Bieser, who plays on the JA girls' golf team, are very impressed with the performance her team showed.

“[The season] it went by so fast,” comments Bieser. “I enjoyed it and learned a lot.”
Not every game or meet throughout the season has gone exactly according to plan, however the athletes persevered to the best of their abilities, and did not go down without a fight.

“I am proud of not giving up,” says Van Dyke.

Along with Van Dyke, Maldonado also feels that the support and perseverance he experiences while being a part of the JA lacrosse team is one of their greatest strengths.

“No matter what injuries or pain we get from playing such a physical sport, everyone still works hard through their injuries and even if they can't play, they still show up to practice and games ready to support the team,” explains Maldonado.

In addition, many of these athletes, due to playing different sports, all have very different experiences and ways of describing their season.

"[In one word to describe the season] I would say ‘interesting,’ just because it's so different from any other seasons we've had.”

Despite some interesting events that occur during these athletic seasons, many of them also feel that the sport has brought them closer to their teammates.

“[In one word to describe the season] I would have to say ‘family.’ Coming out of huddles our chant is ‘One team, One family,’” comments Maldonado. “We all care for the guy standing next to us.”

Furthermore, due to the inviting and positive environment the athletes experience while being a part of their sport, many of them encourage newcomers to come and be a part of the team.

“I say just do it. Come out and have fun because it is really fun at the end of the day and it's a great community,” states Van Dyke.

“If there is anyone who might have interest in playing lacrosse at JA, do it; it is one of the best experiences I have ever gotten in my life,” adds Maldonado.