Girls Soccer
On their February 9 Senior Night, Berkeley High School’s girls soccer started out strong with a starting lineup packed by their 10 seniors. Berkeley began with a goal 53 seconds into the game scored by senior Rosie Bessette and ended with a 2-0 win against San Leandro High School. “We have ‘family’ on our back, but it’s something that we all really mean, and we say it every day. It’s just the number one thing that makes this team different from anything else,” said senior Ruby Hill, captain, and four year veteran of Berkeley High School’s girls varsity team. She, and many of her fellow seniors, hope the non-seniors on the team are able to carry on the family legacy and community amongst new players each year.
Girls Basketball
On Wednesday, February 1, girls varsity basketball had their Senior Night game against San Leandro High School. Although they lost 33-48 to San Leandro, the fun night honored the seven seniors at the end of their season. The signature yellow and red balloon arch welcomed the seniors as they entered the court and received flowers and gifts from the other players on the team. One senior, point guard Liz Sanchez, felt as though the season ended on a good note, saying, “All of our family, friends, and supporters were out there, so we just played our hardest.” Sanchez noted that she will miss the energy she feels on the BHS court, “whether it’s my teammates, or the audience in general, and just the support of the community.”
Boys Soccer
On February 10, Berkeley High School’s boys varsity soccer team suffered a difficult 1-0 loss against their rivals, Bishop O’Dowd High School. It was especially disappointing to the seniors on the team because it was their last home game as BHS players and their Senior Night. The night began with a ceremony honoring the 10 graduating seniors joined by their family members. One of the seniors, Joey Hall, shared, “I remember looking at the seniors when I was a freshman, sophomore, junior and (thinking) ‘Oh, that’s gonna be me one day,’ and then I was like, ‘Wow, that is me right now,’ and it was quite euphoric.” Jaiyah Fuksman, a captain and senior this year, echoed this sentiment, reflecting on one of his fondest memories playing for BHS when he “made a save against O’Dowd. And then they started chanting my name.” Fuksman emphasized that he is going to miss the brotherhood of the team.