By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
Heritage High School hosted the latest rendition of its volleyball alumni game on the evening of October 29. The game brought together past and present players and coaches in a spirited atmosphere designed to celebrate the legacy of the school’s Lady Hawks program. With every spike, serve, and rally, the gym pulsed with energy as alumni relived their competitive days while reminding the community they may be the old heads, but they ain’t washed.
The nearly two-hour event was more than just a game; it was a fun, laugh-filled reunion for Lady Hawk alumni spanning 12 years worth of graduating classes. Team Alumni consisted of Krislyn Parks, Nina Fryberg, Cassandra Jimicum, Santana Shopbell, Martie McLean-Fryberg, Katia Brown, Deandra Grant, and Anndraceia Sicade. As they mingled with each other and current players pregame, friendships were rekindled and new bonds were made.
“It’s incredible to see how many former players still have that strong connection to their time as Lady Hawks. I’m so excited for them to get this time on the court again,” said Tina Brown while sitting front row, courtside as she did for over a decade. She served as Heritage High School volleyball coach from 2006 to 2018. “I’m super proud of them because a lot of them are moms now. They are showing their kids and their community they still know how to play, work hard and, most of all, have fun.”
Beyond the fun and social aspect, the alumni game offered memorable experiences for current players. For these young athletes, interacting with alumni who once wore the same jerseys adds a personal touch to their time as Heritage athletes.
The event also provides an opportunity for fundraising, with a variety of sports attire from past Lady Hawk seasons sold to support the volleyball program’s fund needed to purchase new jerseys and equipment. Several alumni were thrilled to rummage through past jerseys in search of ones they once wore and contribute to the program that helped shape their high school years.
The actual on-court game, while lighthearted, saw competitive play from both alumni and current players. The alumni team, with players ranging in age and experience, demonstrated resilience, proving that their passion for volleyball had not waned over the years. The spry and agile 2024 Lady Hawks took the opening set 25-16. As many adults know, the first set is more a warm up to get them old bones and achy joints moving again. Once the alum heated up, their competitive fire burned bright.
Team Alumni dominated the second set 25-14 and set the tone that they were here to win, too. The 3rd set was dead even as the score was tied 5-5, 10-10, and 15-15. In the clutch, it was the old heads who pulled away and won 25-18. That same formula played out in the decisive 4th set. The score was again tied up repeatedly 8-8, 15-15 and even 20-20. It seemed all too fitting that in the end it was current Heritage assistant coach Nina Fryberg who served Team Alumni to the 25-22 win. Game. Set. Match.
“I felt this weird nostalgic feeling wash over me when I first walked through the gym doors because I haven’t been here in so long,” admitted 2021 alum Martie post-game. “It was definitely weird and cool to look across the net at the current Lady Hawks who are the younger versions of ourselves. Throughout the match, I’m watching them and listening to them and just being reminded of all these high school memories and former Lady Hawk teammates. Even though my graduation wasn’t the long ago, it’s funny how quick I forgot some of those moments that made playing so worthwhile. I’m so grateful to be able to play in this alumni game and am already looking forward to next year.”
“The last time I played as a Lady Hawk I was a high school senior and one of the oldest on the team, but now I’m like a fresh alum and one of the youngest on the team. That perspective helped calm the nerves and relax me so I could just go out there and play and pump up my teammates,” added fellow 2021 alum Krislyn. “I’m really hoping to see more alumni games back because they really do so much good here in our community.
“Whether its basketball or volleyball, having official alumni games or even just open gym style where former players can come and reconnect with the game and the current players helps build community,” she added. “It’s so important that our high school kids feel supported. We all have such busy lives, but it was important for us to make the time and actually prioritize this next generation just like how we were supported.”
As the evening concluded, players past and present left Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium with more memories and hopefully newly formed connections that will last well beyond that final match point.