After a stretch of fire stories, it felt good to write about something else hot: Silver Bay volleyball. The Mariners hosted Mountain Iron-Buhl on October 8 for Senior Night, an evening filled with emotion, memories, and one big milestone.
Though Silver Bay fell just short in a 3-2 battle, the match was about much more than the scoreboard.
The program celebrated its seven seniors: Abigail Johanson, Malaya Peterson, Kadence Shoen, Natalee Walker, Christina Kaiser, Valerie Melander, and Madison Ollman.
Each senior was recognized for their dedication and contributions to the program.
“Abby has been that player that works hard, is quiet, humble, and always coachable,” said Head Coach Tracy Blood of Johanson, who plans to attend Lake Superior College for nursing.
Malaya Peterson, who’s played since seventh grade, was praised for growing more confident on the court. Though an injury cut her season short, she’s left a lasting impression.
Kadence Shoen has taken on many roles, from setter to right-side hitter, and, according to her coach, “will always be remembered for her wicked serve.”
For Natalee Walker, who plans to pursue welding at Lake Superior College, the Moose Lake-Willow River tournament stands out as her favorite memory.
Christina Kaiser has been “one to never back down and digs in with intense competition,” Blood said. Kaiser will attend college in the Twin Cities, where she’s still deciding her exact path.
Valerie Melander has been “a force on our team,” said Blood. Her favorite part of volleyball? “Yapping on the bus rides home and being with Madi in the back row because she’s funny.”
And then there’s Madison Ollman. The six-year varsity starter reached a major milestone just before Senior Night: 1,000 career digs. When the announcement came, the crowd rose for a standing ovation.
Ollman will be moving to Texas after graduation to attend cosmetology school, but her name will stay in the Mariners’ record books.
In a heartfelt speech, Coach Blood reflected on what the group meant to her:
“All the years of sweat, practice, ups, downs, wins, and losses… you always made the choice to show up, try as hard as you are able, to never let your fellow teammates down,” she said. “Please remember all the little things — nicknames for your teammates, favorite songs during warm-ups, bus rides, the love, defeat, laughs, tears, and battle wounds.”
Senior Night may have ended in a narrow loss, but the memories, milestones, and moments of gratitude made it a night the Mariners and their seven seniors won’t soon forget.
