Senior athletes: Leaving a lasting legacy on the field and beyond

Her heart racing and eyes darted forward, she steadied her feet, preparing for the signal. Then a moment of silence, and following it was a booming gunshot that rang out. Go! Go! Go! Bela Jotswani, a senior athlete at CVHS, pushes through the crowd of runners elbowing and sprinting. She was locked in. Keep it steady. Slowly speed it up. Stay focused. Something about this cross-country race felt different from any other. It was her last high school cross-country race, and she had to give it her all.

Many CVHS seniors like Jotswani have made their journey through high school doing sports they love. These sports have shaped them into who they are, and they are sad to leave them behind. Fortunately, they won’t go without sharing their experiences, words of wisdom, and future hopes and dreams for everyone at CVHS, especially the athletes.

“I am excited for this season. I’m officially captain, so I’m excited to lead this new team and hopefully get a championship this year,” said CVHS senior Cory Yan. 

Yan describes basketball as second nature to him. Even with several sports and college applications stacked up on his plate, his one constant is basketball. He also does track and runs for the school’s cross-country team. Additionally, he plans to try volleyball and tennis in the future. Seeing a CVHS student so focused on athletics is uncommon, but for those select few who are serious about sports and maintaining good grades at an academically centered school, being a student-athlete is a tough balancing act. 

“Sometimes you have to make certain decisions that may take away from something else you’re passionate about,” said Yan. 

As his high school career comes to an end, Yan has to start thinking about his next four years. He plans on trying out to be a collegiate team walk-on but is open to trying new sports in college. He has learned that being open-minded is one of the most valuable qualities a team captain can have and it is something he plans on taking with him into his adult life. As long as athletes focus on including and sharing perspectives rather than changing or rejecting them, they’ll always be making a difference, even in the lives of others.

“It helped me be less like a robot, and like breaking out of my shell. I’m really like shy,” said Audrey Kim. 

Dance was always more than just a sport to her, it was a way to express who she truly was. Audrey Kim, Carnegie Dance Team captain, started her dance journey in the sixth grade on the award-winning Lanier Dance Team and has been hooked ever since. She likes the ability that dance has to express any sort of overwhelming feeling she may be battling both the unhappy and the cheerful feelings. 

“A big part was because of the community, I made really good friends…” said Kim.

When interviewing Kim she repeatedly mentioned how loving the community was. Dance provided her with a support system and a second family. And as she’s now a captain, she wants to do just the same for the CDT of 2023-2024. Sports like dance can create strong connections and encourage friendships that can last a lifetime.

Although the emotional journey of these senior athletes is coming to an end, the lessons learned, friendships forged and communities grown will leave an everlasting mark on them and CVHS.

In a world of hustle and bustle that’s often fixated on the next big thing, these insights from senior athletes serve as a reminder that cherishing the present and being a part of a community is more important than one might think. As the final chapters of their high school sports careers unfold these seniors who were once freshmen, entering the unknown world of CVHS, will soon leave as some of the school’s greatest leaders, mentors and inspirations, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered long after the whistle blows.