By Jeffrey Herold
As the Class of 2025 prepares to graduate, many seniors are also saying goodbye to the sports they’ve dedicated years to. Only about 6% of high school athletes go on to compete at the Division I level in college. For many, leaving behind something that served as an outlet—whether it was wrestling, basketball, football or soccer—is a bittersweet experience.
Senior, Foster Keebaugh reflected on this difficult but exciting transition.
“I started playing soccer in seventh grade, and it’s definitely been a big part of who I am—from all the time I spent at practices to the miles I traveled for away games,” Keebaugh said. “But the opportunity to go to college balances out how hard it is to leave soccer behind. From meeting new people to becoming an adult and being on my own, it’s also a great time in my life to find new hobbies.”
Not all seniors view the change the same way.
“While football was a big part of my life and who I am today, I feel like my academics were more of a focus for me moving forward.”
Jake Hilley (12)
Senior, Jake Hilley shared a more optimistic perspective.
“While football was a big part of my life and who I am today, I feel like my academics were more of a focus for me moving forward,” Hilley said. “Even though I could have played football at a smaller school, I felt it was more important to attend a more prestigious college to help propel myself forward in life as an adult.”
Senior, Jaiden Zajni had a similar perspective but also an unsure one.
“At this point in my life I don’t know if I’m going to continue to wrestle in college. Its a very big change for me from going to practicing every day for 2 hours to not, no matter if I continue to wrestle in college or not, one thing that this sport has given me is incredible discipline and work ethic that will carry on to future challenges in my life moving forward.”
Although many high school athletes dream of playing at the Division I level, the reality is that only a small percentage make it. It’s a bittersweet feeling, that hurts to leave it behind but also the excitement of going off to a new chapter of her life
Pictured: Jake Hilley playing in his last season on the football team (@fenneyflics)
