Friday, January 20, the MSMS soccer seniors stepped onto the field for the last time in a game against the Caledonia Confederates, and while both teams lost–0-3 for the girls and 0-7 for the guys–they found a way to reflect positively. 

“I think everyone was going into the game with a good mindset with it being senior night, wanting to end the season on a good note. I thought it was awesome to have seniors step on the field and play for only the second time all season and do great! This year’s team is great compared to last year’s; however, last year we didn’t score against Choctaw or overcome as many obstacles as this year,” senior co-captain Darby Meadows said.

“Throughout this past season, I strived to be a good leader as captain. Coach Yarborough really helped because he was great at keeping our heads up and giving us hope,” Meadows said.

Senior co-captain of the boys team, Russell Hatcher, echoed Meadows’ sentiment.

“Although the game was disheartening, it was still satisfying to play because everyone was filled with the wholesome joy of pure team spirit and brotherhood,” Hatcher said.

“More than anything this team has taught me how to lead by instilling in me the sense of responsibility and sportsmanship. My favorite memory from this past season was a breakaway during the Philadelphia game in which I secured the ball on the defense and dribbled through the midfield 18 yard box before passing off to a forward,” Hatcher said.

Meadows agrees that playing soccer at MSMS goes beyond the playing field itself.

“Over the past two years, soccer has given me something to do after school. Soccer has forced me to accomplish the difficult task of juggling athletics and academics. Before coming to MSMS, I hadn’t played soccer in about a year and a half, but coming here brought soccer back to me when I thought that I would never play again,” Meadows said.