As the school year comes to an end, senior athletes reflect on their final high school season and look ahead at what is coming next. I had the pleasure of speaking with a few of our spring senior athletes about their experiences, challenges, and memories from their time in sports.
First, I spoke with a few of our varsity baseball players—Dylan Santos, Diego Baker, and JR Hazel. I started by asking them a simple but meaningful question: Looking back, what does being a high school athlete mean to you?
Delaney Wright (Sr.) pitching fast at the batter.
Santos said, “Being a high school athlete means balancing social life, school, athletic responsibilities, and mental stability. It isn’t necessarily a hard thing, but being an athlete in high school makes it easy to put sports before school. Being an athlete means representing yourself, your team, and your school, and being the best for all of those people.” His response was honest and inspiring, touching on the deeper responsibilities that come with the title.
“Being an athlete has taught me a lot of valuable life lessons,” said Baker. Though brief, his words speak volumes about the impact sports can have beyond the field.
Hazel said, “Being a high school athlete means playing for something bigger than yourself. You’re representing a school and everyone in it. There is a sort of community that you are able to build within the team and a culture that can last for years beyond your time at the school.” His perspective highlights the legacy and sense of unity that sports can create.
Together, their answers paint a picture of what it really means to be a high school athlete—not just the physical work, but the values, community, and pride that come with it.
Next, I spoke with Delaney Wright, one of our standout softball players. I asked her, What was
Diego Baker (Sr.) and JR Hazel (Sr.) paying close attention to the game.
your biggest ‘wow, I’ve grown’ moment during your athletic journey?
Wright said, “My biggest ‘wow, I’ve grown’ moment in my athletic career happened during my junior season with Timberline softball. In our game against Middleton, I pitched a shutout and hit two home runs at the plate. That’s when I realized how much I’ve grown and that I can play at a higher level when I’m smiling and having fun.”
Her story is a great reminder that growth comes not just from practice, but from confidence, joy, and believing in yourself along the way.
Lastly, I talked to Tessa Milks, a senior on our tennis team. I asked her, What’s your favorite memory from playing your sport in high school?
“My favorite memory playing tennis is probably winning my state qualifying match when I had pneumonia or team dinners,” said Milks.
Her answer shows just how much perseverance and heart athletes can have, even in tough moments. It also highlights that sometimes the best memories aren’t just about wins, but the moments of connection shared with teammates.
