Not able to compete in their final year of high school, senior athletes have begun to reflect on their unique legacy and last season at Choate as the fall term draws to a close.
To continue staying active and boost the morale of student athletes at Choate, the Athletics Department has attempted to implement full practices and intersquad competitions this fall. The School, despite the new social distancing guidelines, is determined to hold senior day celebrations.
Varsity Field Hockey Co-Captain Page Wildridge ’21 said, “Obviously, with the masks and regulations, practices look and feel a bit different, but I think that both field hockey and Choate Athletics are putting in a lot of effort to bring some normalcy back to our final season, such as still celebrating our senior day.”
She added, “I think all our seniors are just grateful for a chance for a season as a whole and are focusing on the positives about the fall.”
Wildridge’s thoughts have been echoed by many seniors, who lament the canceled season but also appreciate how hard their teammates and the School have worked to celebrate their final seasons.
Despite challenges brought on by the pandemic, seniors’ last seasons still carry sentimental weight. Reminiscing about his love for football at Choate, Varsity Football player Charlie Tait ’21, said, “Choate Football is an environment that welcomes everybody and anybody with open arms. It’s taught me so much about how to push myself, and I’ve been able to create relationships that will last forever.” He also mentioned how athletics has played a major role in his life and many others’ at Choate.
Girls’ Cross Country Co-Captain Taylor Mitchell ’21 echoed a similar sentiment. She said, “Over the past couple years, the cross country team has become like a family to me. Even though we weren’t able to compete against other schools, we were still able to form those same connections and show up for each other at every practice.”
Choate seniors have also left a lasting legacy on the School. Many underclassmen have praised their seniors’ hard work and leadership and will be following in their footsteps.
Girls’ Varsity Volleyball player Sasha Moran ’22 said, “The seniors on Choate Volleyball have been nothing but amazing this year, and I truly believe that their leadership will help propel the volleyball team for years to come. The entire team follows their lead as they arrive on time and are ready to give 100% effort at every single practice, even though we are not competing against other schools this year.”
Even though sports have been very different this season, the Class of 2021 has left a lasting impression on Choate Athletics and will continue to shape the program for many years to come.
