When one chapter ends and another one begins. When you’re a senior high school athlete the season can be somewhat bittersweet. Do you remember the first day of practice your Freshman year when you met the seniors and said I can’t wait to be in their shoes one day? Then in a blink of an eye, four years have passed and you’re now walking in those shoes. Ironically enough the Freshmen you met this year have probably on occasion said I can’t wait until my senior year.
Once that final whistle blows for some seniors their mind goes straight to dreaming about playing in college. For others, they are officially hanging up their jersey. Due to COVID-19 a lot of senior high school athletes around the world did not get the chance to experience a playoff race, track meets, senior night and just make memories with their teammates that will last a lifetime.
We at 9INE POINT want to do what we can to help showcase some senior high school athletes and give them an opportunity to Pass the Torch to the class of athletes that will one day be in their shoes. Our first team is the Richardson High School Eagles senior volleyball players, Zoe Abbruzzese, Sophia Hagstrom, Spencer Wynne, and Anna Simmons.
ZOE ABBRUZZESE,
Outside Hitter
1. What is your favorite memory as a high school athlete?
My favorite memories as a high school athlete are warming up with my teammates because we were always loud and had a lot of fun.
2. If you could give one piece of advice to the underclassmen, what would you tell them?
My advice to athletes coming up, don’t take the time you have for granted because your senior year will be over before you know it.
3. What are you looking most forward to in the future or your future plans?
I’m looking forward to getting my PhD in Sociology/Criminology. I also can’t wait to move to Boulder, Colorado since it’s my ideal place to be, and I just want to see where life takes me.
SOPHIA HAGSTROM,
Outside Hitter
1. What is your favorite memory as a high school athlete?
My favorite memory as a high school athlete was sophomore year when we were in the first round of playoffs when we played Rowlett. It was such a good and close game, everyone was playing so well and fighting to win as a team. I remember we got to the end of the 5th set in the Berkner gym and at the time I was still a middle. I hadn’t really played a whole bunch in back-row because I was still in transition to becoming an outside hitter, but for some reason, Coach Miracle decided to keep me in the back row after I served. To this day I remember being so nervous that I was going to mess up our chance at the next round of playoffs. However, those last few points I was determined to not let the team down and I passed some pretty difficult balls. Then with Payton and Nat getting kills, WE WONNN.
2. If you could give one piece of advice to the underclassmen, what would you tell them?
I would tell the underclassmen to never think you’re “not good enough”. I had such a hard time battling those thoughts in my mind. I’ve had some pretty awful club coaches that just tore my confidence down and made me believe that I couldn’t play D1 volleyball in college because I “wasn’t good enough”. I want you to know that I am in fact going to play at a D1 school in the fall and I worked extremely hard for this. If I can do it, you can too, you just have to put in the work.
3. What are you looking most forward to in the future or your future plans?
I am looking forward to getting to explore Nashville and experience a new city. I’ve lived in Dallas for the majority of my childhood, so it’s going to be different but I am so excited!!
SPENCER WYNNE,
Middle Blocker
1. What is your favorite memory as a high school athlete?
Senior night and making friends with my teammates
2. If you could give one piece of advice to the underclassmen, what would you tell them?
I’d recommend staying organized and on top of what you have to do, it’s easier to relax when you know what’s coming.
3. What are you looking most forward to in the future or your future plans?
I’m most looking forward to college and making new friends, and getting out of quarantine
ANNA SIMMONS,
Defensive Specialist
1. What is your favorite memory as a high school athlete?
My favorite memory as a Richardson high school athlete was getting to meet and compete with so many different people over the four years. I’ve made so many friendships that I’ll forever be thankful for!!
2. If you could give one piece of advice to the underclassmen, what would you tell them?
My one piece of advice for classes under me would be to cherish every minute you have as a high school athlete. It really goes by so much faster than you think it will.
3. What are you looking most forward to in the future or your future plans?
As far as future plans, I will be attending UT Austin next year. As of now, I am planning to graduate and hopefully attend law school. I’m super excited to see what’s in store.
Coach Eric Miracle
These seniors garnered some great accomplishments on the court: 73 wins in 3 seasons, 3 state playoff appearances, district runner-up, bi-district champs, beat Pearce, beat Lake Highlands…More than these, off the court they made lasting impressions on their teammates, and their coaches. What a mix of personalities! Fun, serious, caring, and competitive. They were the perfect mix. – Coach Eric Miracle, Richardson High School Head Volleyball Coach
Congrats Zoe, Sophia, Spencer, and Anna for all of your Richardson High School success. From all of us here at 9INE POINT good luck in your future endeavors and as we say Achieve Your Version Of Greatness!
