Chants and loud clapping spilled out of Pines Charter’s gym as the Pines Charter boys’ volleyball team celebrated their senior night. What made those two hours playing against Monarch High School on April 10 truly special was the overwhelming love and passion that radiated from the bleachers.
Due to the parents, friends, and faculty of the Jaguars, the boys’ varsity volleyball team were able to secure a 3-0 win for their two seniors: Elier Gil and Aiden Johnson.
Leading up to this special night, this group of 20 Jaguars had been working endlessly on redeeming themselves as a varsity team. In the past years as a team, they have been unfortunately known for having bad stats in regards to their spring volleyball season.
However, this 2024-2025 spring season would be the first time in 3 years that the Jaguars would rewrite their story and take control of their narrative.
Under Fabio Castro’s leadership as the new head coach, the Jags now have a 13-4 record as they near the end of their spring season. In comparison to the other seasons, where the records ended at 5-7 and 6-10, this would change their mindset and bond as a team.
This was directly displayed through the support and smiles that the underclassmen and juniors provided on Gil and Johnson’s senior night. For Johnson, this would make his first and last volleyball season with the Jaguars more memorable as his new Jag family thanks him for his dedication as a player.
“Even though this is my first year playing volleyball, my teammates and coaches have shown me a lot of love in making me feel welcomed and helping me get better. Sharing senior night with my teammates and loved ones was such a blessing and memorable experience.”
As for Gil, hugs and gratitude for his strong work as libero surrounded him on the court as his loved ones congratulated him on his accomplishment. This season has brought on many unexpected injuries and twists to the team, but Gil instead embraced the changes and took on the role as libero head on. Not only did he acknowledge the challenge of being short handed in regards to his teammates, but became a strong pillar in the Jags’ roster.
Even though it may be his senior night, the job is not done. “I want us to win districts, build a good family bond together, and make sure that we have a good rest of the season before I leave for college.”
Once the cheers simmered down and posters were put to the side, the boys’ varsity volleyball team and their loved ones headed to the Charter’s cafeteria for a celebration of the seniors with cake, pizza, and refreshments. With senior night checked off the list, the road to districts is next for the Jaguars.
