Bump. Spike. Ace. Planned by the Athlete Leadership Council and Student Council Executive Board, senior night for varsity volleyball is an annual celebration. This year, there are three seniors on the team: Vaughan Anoa’i, Shaunael Milton and Katelyn Chi.

Hosted at Park Century School, home court for Archer, the event started with an “electric game” against De Toledo according to senior Marissa Gendy, who is a member of Exec Board and ALC. Archer won all three sets, with a final score of 25-17. Afterward, the team held a senior ceremony with speeches, senior gifts and photos.

“The energy of the game was absolutely fantastic,” Anoa’i said. “The fact that so many people from the Archer community came was so special. It was this extra kind of energy and adrenaline.”

From teachers to students, the gym was full of supporters cheering on the seniors Gendy said. Patty the Panther even made an appearance. Abiding by COVID-19 protocols, spectators had to wear a mask at all times, follow social distancing guidelines and refrain from eating or drinking in the gym.

“It is very surreal,” Milton said. “I am really happy to be here with people that I have been playing with for a very long time. Through thick and thin, both of these players [Anoa’i and Chi], have stuck by me. It is the best feeling ever.”

Chi echoed Milton’s sentiment about longstanding friendships emerging from being on the same team.

“We have all been playing together since middle school,” Chi said. “It has honestly been an amazing experience to see how much everyone has grown from their sixth grade selves.”

Although the seniors have been playing together since middle school, a lot of the team are playing together for the first time this year.

“I think it has been a different kind of leadership style this season just because last year we [seniors] didn’t really know them [the rest of the team],” Anoa’i said. “We were at a slight disadvantage this year. We were a team of brand new people who knew each other, but never actually played together.”

Anoa’i said that instead of letting this setback hinder the team, she seized the opportunity to create space for chemistry and team bonding to develop. Gendy said that she thinks the team has done an amazing job collaborating.

“Nothing holds them back,” Gendy said. “This night is a tradition because it allows everyone to see firsthand just how much the seniors do. Accomplishments and all.”

Anoa’i, Milton and Chi said that the senior night celebration is an incredibly special event.

“I will look back and consider these days my prime,” Milton said. “I have learned a lot being a leader and a team captain with Vaughan. I am going to take a lot away from this experience, even 20 years from now.”