As the school year comes to a close, many students look forward to their summers; for senior student-athletes, it marks the end of their high school athletics careers. While the Lexington High School’s graduating class of student-athletes looks towards their futures in college and beyond, many look back on their bittersweet final season as student-athletes.

High school sports play a vital role in shaping athletes both on and off the field. Participating in sports was the highlight of many students’ high school experience as athletics became another method of connection with others.

“I made some of my closest friends through the team and it was a great way to spend time outside, challenge myself, and just surround myself with people that always supported me,” Sarah Weisberg, the captain of the girls varsity track team and senior, said. 

High school sports can serve as a dynamic classroom as well, teaching lessons to student-athletes that extend far beyond the playing field. 

“I think sports can teach us a lot about ourselves. Throughout the years, I’ve learned a lot of hard lessons about time management when trying to find the balance of a student-athlete schedule,” Carson Cheng, captain of the girls varsity soccer team and senior, said.

For many LHS seniors, the final season of their sport evokes an array of emotions as they prepare to say goodbye to teams that have had a significant impact on their high school journey.

“I’m sad to be leaving the sport because it was such a big part of high school for me and I’ll definitely miss the team the most,” Weisberg said.

As senior-athletes participate in their final season of LHS sports, many look back on fond memories of unforgettable victories or hardships they overcame.

“My most memorable moment on the soccer team was my goal against Winchester in the first round playoffs my sophomore year. I have never had a goal that’s given me the same rush again,” Cheng said. 

As they depart, the seniors reflect on the lessons they’ve learned throughout their time in LHS athletics.

“Throughout the years, I’ve learned a lot of hard lessons about time management when trying to find the balance of a student-athlete schedule. Especially in the fall, I found it most challenging to juggle homework, sports, and friends while also finding time to sleep,” Cheng said.

These seniors serve as sources of wisdom, inspiration, and guidance for younger athletes, and can offer much advice from their years of experience being student-athletes at LHS.

“To the younger athletes in high school, here is my advice: try everything. This year I joined indoor track for fun and it was a great decision! Even though I wasn’t a track star, I had an amazing time,” Cheng said.

As the senior class is gearing up for graduation, the rest of the LHS athletics community will soon feel their absence at practice, games, in the locker rooms, and around the school.

“I think we really made an impact on and off the field but it’s now time for the next generation of the team to step up and grow,” Cheng said.