Thank you seniors: It was the last home game for the seniors on the Nederland High School’s Girls’ Soccer Team. Above, Senior Polina Savich runs to get the ball.[/caption]

The wind was strong and the temperature was dropping when the soccer teams took to the field at Nederland Middle-Senior High School. Just before the half there were snowflakes in the air. During the second half of the game there were a LOT of snowflakes in the air, and the wind kept blowing. The Nederland Panthers and Twin Peaks Timberwolves soccer players kept playing through it all.

This game held more meaning than other games for the Panthers. It was not because of who they were playing or because of the weather – it was Senior Night. It was the last home game of the girls’ soccer season and it is tradition to honor the seniors and their parents during this game.

Coach Luis Gonzalez spoke to seniors Trinity LeBlanc, Kyleigh McLaughlin, Teaghan Hartman, Polina Savich, and Lauren Dirr. He thanked them for all the years they dedicated to Nederland soccer. He thanked the parents for their support and told each senior how valuable they have been to the team.

With graduation a month away, these goodbye moments with the seniors are special for the athletes, coach, other players, parents, and the school community. It is that bittersweet time when we know it is time for their next chapter in life, but they will be missed.

After the senior recognition the players got back on the field and finished the game. The final score was 1 - 1. Senior Kyleigh McLaughlin scored Nederland’s goal in the first half.

The Panthers still have more soccer to play this season and Gonzalez is pleased with how the team is improving with every game. He said, “We are together as a team and we are supporting each other. We still have more to go and have more time to continue learning and improving.”

Coach Gonzalez is always positive about his team – even in a blizzard. “We always keep going. This is a great team and I am proud of them. We can do this.”