As the last few games approach, senior athletes prepare to dominate their home game one last time on their beloved Husky territory.
With only one night to celebrate the remarkable achievements from over the past four years, Huskies cherish the opportunity to leave a strong farewell to the sport that created lasting memories, and the team and school that stayed and grew with them along the way.
North Hollywood’s Varsity softball hosted their last home game of the season against Monroe High School on April 24th, 2024.
In sports, towards the end of the season the last home game is celebrated as “Senior Night.”
Senior Night is the bittersweet celebration of the final home game of the season, where senior players are recognized and honored by the school, the rest of their team, and their fans. The ceremony typically takes place after the game, where each senior athlete is introduced along with a presentation of gifts.
The softball team’s underclassmen players took it upon themselves to demonstrate the gratitude they felt for the upperclassmen. They each designed personalized posters to honor each senior athlete, as well Husky parents and friends came together in support. Families decorated the field with school colors, balloons, and banners ensuring a heartfelt and memorable send-off for the graduating players.
Mia Vega (#9)gratefully expresses, “Senior night was a memorable experience. The underclassmen showed their support and overwhelmed me with love and appreciation. It made me beyond thankful to have such an amazing team.”
As Huskies were preparing to take the field, they were filled with cheerful crowds and endless support.
Yaretzi Peres-Palacios (#48) expresses, “I was really grateful and happy when I saw that my main teammates (JV Team) were there to support and cheer us seniors on. I like to think that seeing everyone there made me play with more effort and that helped me not be so nervous. The whole thing was incredible even though I was bawling immediately after the game ended.”
Senior athletes looked good, felt good, and played good. Leaving their win to be no surprise. Huskies dominated the diamond for the last time, with a strong score of 19-0.
During the game, Huskies stole 28 bases, fired off 12 hits, with 5 being home runs.
Seniors, Ruby McCrackin (#12), and Samantha Zabalza (#33), each scored two home runs, with Kelsey Brinkle (#18) scoring one.
Senior Night isn’t a game for athletes to feel pressured to show off their best plays, but to reflect all the memories and dedication it took to lead them to this moment. It’s an unforgettable night that’s mixed with several emotions as graduating athletes celebrate and relive the sense of closure with their special talent.
Ruby McCrackin (#12) reminisces her softball memories, saying, “Softball has helped me get out of my comfort zone so much, I grew up doing competitive gymnastics which is an independent sport so it was hard at first to be with a team, but being on softball has helped me better my communication and teamwork skills.”
Katherine Jurado (#6) reflects on her improvement, saying, “I really saw myself change as a player from sophomore year to senior year and I’m proud of myself. I was happy to be on the team of girls I had and put the skills I have learned in action through my games and feel the appreciation and support in the end.”
Senior athletes may have felt they worked hard for it to all suddenly come to an end, but they have become strong representatives for underclassmen who will forever look up to them as role models.
Samantha Zabalza (#33), positively motivates, “I honestly do recommend joining softball because it’s a new experience even if you never played before. You can learn a lot not just physically but mentally. You learn a lot of new skills and it does help you become a better person within yourself.”
Jurado continues, “They [ the Softball team] all helped me grow as a person and player on the field. My coaches were amazing and made me feel confident and capable of anything, and I know they’ll do it for anyone that steps foot onto the field.”
