Due to COVID-19, many senior athletes have had their season taken away from them. Despite this, the seniors on the WJ field hockey team have been thankful for their previous seasons of playing on the team.

“Being a part of the field hockey team was one of the best parts of my four high school years and I’m so thankful that I got to join not only a team but a family,” senior Tatyana Ramirez said.

Senior Ellie Poersch mirrors Ramirez’s thoughts.

“I joined my freshman year and instantly loved it. My favorite days were game days where we would do spirit and have a big cat little cat gift exchange,” Poersch said.

Like other teams at Walter Johnson, field hockey was forced to adapt to a virtual season, due to Covid-19 regulations.

“I was on the team all three years and did it virtually for my last year. It opened me up to different people from different grades and I made so many friends from it,” senior Ava Chaloshteri said.

Not only has COVID-19 taken away the season for these seniors but it has also impacted their daily lives. For Ramirez, she is grateful for the memories that playing field hockey has given her for the past three years.

“It is sad not having a season and not being able to create bonds with your teammates and coaches,” Ramirez said.

Senior Zaniv Chhina, however, has been affected personally as she has been tasked with caring for her high risk grandparents.

“I am sad as I wanted my senior season, senior night and the chance to beat BCC one last time but I am glad that we are able to keep the public safer that way,” Chhina said.

Though the season that seniors have dreamed of was taken away from them, they remain optimistic and grateful for the opportunities their teams have presented them over the past years at WJ.