Last years are never easy. You have your fun with everyone around you and suddenly, POOF!, you’re about to leave high school. Although you didn’t notice yourself change and evolve, those who surrounded you did. Our own ILS seniors are going through this their last year, especially if they are on a team that’s become family. They certainly know the feeling of time flying or passing them by.

Our girls’ basketball team is no stranger to this feeling, especially on their Senior Night last Tuesday, and the younger teammates that look up to the seniors have been forever changed by them.

“Freshman year for me, when we were kinda struggling between games, I was a bit confused on some plays, and Victoria helped me out a lot. She always wanted to be helpful and make sure everyone was on the same page and that everyone understood everything,” said varsity sophomore Caroline Barrabes of senior Victoria Acosta.

Like every sport, you have the common injury. Overcoming it varies from person to person, but it usually comes down to how much you want to move past it. These girls have been injured plenty before, and although they might’ve felt unmotivated, they still got back out there and pushed through.

Sticking to the sport for so long has made the seniors love it. When they found each other, they thrived and now realize they look a lot different since they did their first year on the team. Coach Danny Argüello knew they would drastically improve because he looks for those players who truly want growth in their game.

“Isabella Rodriguez is another senior that’s been playing the three years I’ve been here, and she could barely dribble a basketball when I first got to her…” he mused.

“Lorena Alvarez came to me this year. She always goes to practice, and she’s one of those kids you love to coach,” Coach Argüello added.

From their coaches to the newbies they got this year, the senior team members have built them up as much as they have built themselves up. Yes, the time has flown by in a flash, but these girls made the most out of their seasons with the basketball team.