Or maybe the smaller things? Fiddling with Burr puzzles after team brunch. Running in a single-file line down a dark hallway as a pregame ritual. Tying black and gold ribbons in each other’s hair. Knocking our knuckles on the hardwood floor of the gym before every tip-off.
When we lost the state quarterfinal against Clarksburg, I tried to hold back my tears, but the moment we entered the locker room I broke down into a sob. There was no comeback to be had. Our dream of playing at Xfinity Center would stay a dream.
Losing wasn’t the only reason I cried. I couldn’t say “until next season” like I always did. This was the last time I’d share the court with these incredible people, the last time I’d be able to experience all the little things that held a special place in my heart.
“For me, the season was a huge success — not because of the titles we earned but because of the memories we shared and the friendships we strengthened that will last far beyond the season,” senior guard Kayden Siegal said.
When I reflect on the last few weeks, it strikes me how things happen, and change, so fast. A mere three days after our regional win, our elation was crushed by that state playoff loss. I’ve learned to never take time for granted.
“This season was one I’ll never forget,” freshman guard Sasha Goodhart told me. Hearing her then speak about what’s ahead of her is bittersweet; it makes me realize the impact we’ve made on the program but also that our time has come to an end. Nonetheless, I’m proud knowing that our younger players will no doubt become the next generation of role models.
I am attending Duke University this fall, where I hope to continue playing basketball at the club or intramural level. Some of my senior teammates are committed to playing in college — guard Barna Ghafari at Montgomery College; forward and co-captain Emma Karlin at Macalester College (Minn.).
Last week, I went to Emma’s house to make paper plate awards for our teammates. Ideas had been brewing — Heart of the Team, Best TikToker, Silent but Deadly. Between bites of crackers and cheese, we meticulously sketched out drawings in pencil before going over them with colored markers.
These will be unveiled at the end-of-season banquet April 7. The coaches will honor specific players with formal accolades such as a carved MVP plaque, but we’ll present each of our teammates with personalized plates to recognize their contributions and quirks. “It allowed me to appreciate the unique qualities each person brought,” Karlin said.
Being a captain inevitably improved our leadership, and teamwork is the obvious headline of any sports narrative, but it goes deeper than that. Playing a sport matures you.
It taught me to focus on the controllables — effort, attitude, mentality — instead of outside factors such as reffing or opponents’ behavior. This emotional regulation is a useful skill beyond the court.
It taught me accountability. I can’t hide behind a bad performance. Poor shots or sluggish defense were there for the whole crowd to see. Bouncing back required honesty from others and from myself.
Although my high school basketball career has come to an end, once a Rocket, always a Rocket. I’ll return for alumni games, stop by summer workouts and catch fall league or regular season games whenever I can.
Time always flies faster in hindsight. One hundred and twenty-three days is more than a third of a calendar year, but it hardly feels like it. Life is not measured by time but by moments, and the fleeting moments I’ve shared with this team are ones I’ll cherish forever.