Dulaney High School (DHS) lacrosse teams prepare to send off their senior athletes.

At the end of every DHS athletic season, the teams put on a special “goodbye ceremony” to congratulate and show gratitude for their senior teammates. This is a long-lasting tradition and gives seniors a great sense of pride in their accomplishments. Every team has its own way of doing its senior game, and the DHS lacrosse teams make an effort for every senior player’s night to be memorable..

For the men’s team, the senior game begins with their signature “get a touch” run-up; the whole team splits into two groups, runs around their defending goal then jumps up to meet their fellow players in front of the goal. After this, the seniors separate from the group and go down to the end of the field, where they receive flowers to give to their parents. Once they are called up and recognized for their accomplishments, they’re joined by their families, while being cheered on by the underclassmen and spectators. This year, the senior players’ moms wore their sons’ jerseys to support the team.

The DHS men’s lacrosse team, despite going down by three, emerged victorious over Manchester Valley, winning by a landslide. Senior Ryan Grogan shares his thoughts about senior night and the Dulaney lacrosse experience.

 In Grogan’s freshman year, he was the only freshman to make varsity, which he mentions was a character-building experience. 

“Being the only freshman to join the varsity squad was more or less nerve-racking, but it was a really positive experience for me. The older guys respected me and definitely made me feel like I was part of the team, but they also gave me the constructive criticism you need going into high school sports,” said Grogan.

Now that he is a senior, Grogan’s role on the team has evolved. 

“There’s definitely a change that comes from being the oldest kids on the team. It’s kind of a responsibility all of us share to keep the team motivated and moving forward. And it’s really cool because now that I’m a senior, I notice myself giving constructive criticism to the younger guys. Like when I was a freshman, the seniors helped me improve as a player and it’s great to be able to do the same for my teammates,” said Grogan

As for many seniors, the senior game is an emotional and reflective experience. Not only does it mark the end of their high school athletic career, but it’s also significant, given that they are all going their separate ways after graduation.

“I was actually taken aback at the game yesterday, just because it’s so crazy to realize that it’s been four years and this chapter of my life is coming to an end. The team did an amazing job making all the seniors feel appreciated. The tradition we have here at Dulaney is something special. The community is awesome, the energy is electric, and I love my guys” said Grogan.

As for the girl’s team, senior night is also an important tradition. The seniors receive flowers and are joined by their families pre-game. After the game, there is a banquet where underclassmen give speeches thanking the seniors. This year, a new tradition was added. The senior girls got to give speeches of gratitude to their parents, thanking them for all their help and support. Senior Mia Connor explains her senior game experience during the Dulaney lacrosse program.

Being a four-year varsity athlete, Connor has watched her role on the team progress throughout the seasons.

“Being a freshman on varsity was very intimidating but I feel like I learned a lot and really grew in my confidence as a lacrosse player,” said Connor. 

Being both a senior and a captain, her role on the team is different now. 

“Now I see my role on the team as more of a leadership position. A big moment for me was when my coach told me to start calling the plays for offense, and that really made me feel like I had the capability to lead my fellow teammates,” said Connor.

Her favorite memories of high school lacrosse were the big victories. 

“I would definitely say winning Counties earlier this week was one of my favorite memories because we hadn’t had the chance to win it any other time I was here,” said Connor.

The DHS women’s lacrosse team is a very tight-knit group. They work extremely hard on the various posters, gift baskets and speeches to give their teammates a proper send-off. 

“Honestly just seeing how much effort the underclassmen and parents and coaches put into making all of the seniors feel appreciated was my favorite part,” said Connor.

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