Marist volleyball hosted their annual banquet in the cafeteria on Monday, November 25, with speeches from coaches along with players, awards, dinner, and a slideshow.
“We typically have it at the same time, same place, all that’s pretty much the same, but the people make it different,” says freshman Coach Thomas Murphy.
Families, athletes, and coaches all gathered to look back at each team’s accomplishments.
“I think it’s a great way to celebrate the season with everybody and it’s great to have all the families there and I think for us it’s really important to have our whole program there,” says Varsity Coach, Jordan Vidovic.
Brother Rich led an opening prayer, followed by Vidovic giving a speech thanking everyone for all their help and noting how impressive the program is and continues to be.
“I try not to repeat the same things every year but obviously there’s a lot of similar people to thank every year,” says Vidovic. “I enjoy being able to thank our families for all the support and also being able to reflect on the season a little bit.”
After Vidovic’s speech, awards were given to all levels. Freshman through sophomore teams were awarded with Most Valuable Player, The Program, and Most Improved.
“[The awards are] great acknowledgment for certain players, but it is very difficult for those coaches to choose,” says Vidovic.
During the awards, varsity player Elayna Davidson, was also honored with her 1,000 career digs as only a junior.
“We’d be in front of our whole program and that means a lot to us and it was the same thing. Instead of just doing it with varsity players or varsity parents, we got to acknowledge it in front of our entire families,” says Vidovic.
Seniors Maddie Berry and Bella Bullington, both varsity players, gave speeches on their time being a part of Marist volleyball. Their speeches were followed by Molly Boyle saying grace before dinner.
“I was fortunate enough to share a speech recapping my four years playing at Marist volleyball,” says Berry.
Dinner was buffet style and included foods such as pasta, lasagna, salad, peppers and sausage, and potatoes. Dessert included many different types of cookies and brownies.
To end the night, a slide show of the varsity team’s favorite memories of the year were shown. These include pictures throughout the season along with funny moments that they have shared.
“My favorite memory from this season was state,” says Berry.
During the slide show everyone enjoyed looking back on not only the victorious season, but also the memories and sisterhood that has evolved.
“My favorite part of the program has been the people that I have met. I have made so many special friendships over the past four years. I know I will keep in touch with so many of them for the rest of my life,” says Berry.
