On May 4th, the Highland Park Varsity Girls Lacrosse team celebrated Senior Night against Wheeling High School. Before the game kicked off, the team honored their beloved seniors: Maddie Kashy, Jill Moyer, Nora Gladstone, Jillian Wernick, Cassidy Kulberg, Lexi Peterson, Sophie Bilow, Isi Young, Mia Schapiro, Amiah Ramirez, Greer Jorgensen, and Shannon Schallamo.
Before the game, the non-senior lacrosse team members created baskets filled with the seniors’ favorite things as a tribute to them. The pregame celebration set the tone for a memorable evening and made the seniors feel special as they went into one of their final games of the season.
As the game took off, the Wheeling Wildcats scored first, but the Giants quickly responded. Maddie Kashy, Senior Captain and 3-year varsity member, scored a hat trick (3 goals) in the first quarter, keeping the team in the game. The teams were neck and neck as they headed into the second quarter tied 3-3.
The Giants continued to fight throughout the 2nd quarter. They ended the half with a 7-5 lead, carrying the energy they had before the game throughout. The seniors’ determination and leadership were evident in every play.
For senior and 2-year varsity member Sophie Bilow, the night was filled with memorable moments both on and off the field. The emotions and support from her teammates made the experience even more meaningful.
“Julia Eisenberg gave me a basket, which was awesome and so special,” Bilow said. “I loved senior night and my final season.”
Sharing the same sentiment as Bilow, senior and 2-year varsity member Nora Gladstone reflected on the lasting impact her experience with the program has had on her life.
“Senior Night was a really special, culminating moment for this season and for the past four years of playing in the program,” Gladstone said. “It just helped me realize how much playing a sport has impacted my life.”
High school sports often create lasting friendships and connections between people who may not have crossed paths otherwise. For many athletes, the bonds and memories formed from being a part of a team become some of the most meaningful parts of their high school experience.
Spirits were high as the Giants went into the second half, and the Giants were able to keep the lead, ending the game with a landslide victory of 14-8. Kashy had a personal, all-time high, scoring 5 goals in the game to wrap up her final year playing with the Giants.
Jill Moyer, a 3-year varsity member, ended the emotional night with her head held high as the season came to a close.
“The night was filled with so much emotion, so much sadness and happiness,” Moyer said. “I can’t believe it’s over. But you know what? We had the best game ever; we crushed Wheeling. Even though I cried a lot, it was the best night ever!”
As the final whistle blew, the Giants celebrated more than just a win. Senior night marked the end of an unforgettable chapter for the team’s seniors, whose impact on the program will continue long after the season ends.