Picture yourself at Grier’s Fall Sports Senior Night. The air is crisp, and the students and faculty on the bleachers are cheering for your team– “Go Foxes!”
Fall at Grier is filled with foliage and fun, especially during fall sports. But this year, the captains of our Fall sports–Angelena Mack (soccer), Stella Adler (volleyball), and Eva Kozeska (tennis)–described the 2024 Fall season as one to remember.
It had been almost a decade since the soccer team won a game, but this year they won three. Highlights from this year’s season include the Foxes’ first win, a 10-5 sweep of Mifflin County, and senior night, when Grier beat our rival Mercersburg Academy, giving the seniors a memorable last game. Angelena Mack discussed the feel of home games, describing the Grier fan base as energetic, with students and faculty alike coming to support the team. Angelena said that the soccer head coach, Ms. Ondrey, had a “strict but chill” style that allowed her to truly understand the girls. According to Angelena, one thing the team excelled at was communication, due to their strong bonds and long-lasting friendships.
Similarly, the volleyball team had a successful season, winning both home games and attending more tournaments than ever before. The Foxes’ coach, Mr. Beckel, promotes repetitive practice and training to prepare students for game time. Stella Adler’s favorite moment from the season was senior night, where, as a senior herself, she led the team to a victory against Mercersburg Academy. The ceremony for senior volleyball athletes was held after the win, making the moment even more memorable. The team celebrates the end of their season each year with a “Secret Santa” gift exchange, demonstrating the close-knit team dynamic that contributed to their success this year.
Despite weather conditions cancelling several matches, tennis athletes also had a great season. Under the leadership of Coach Jeff, the Foxes enjoyed matches throughout the season by proudly supporting and motivating one another. Senior Night was bittersweet as the team celebrated the lone departing senior, Marcella Baeza Carrasco. Each player made the most of the night though, playing their hardest against Mercersburg. Kozeska recalled her close win against Mercersburg, which ended up being a 2-hour long match. “My opponent and I were the first ones who started to play and the last ones standing on the court,” Kozeska said. Afterwards, Kozeska and her teammates headed to a restaurant for a team feast to celebrate the closing of their season.
The Fall sports season was a testament to the closeness of Grier’s community, demonstrating that the Foxes’ hard work paid off. Coaches, players, and fans alike will all remember this season for a long time to come.
