Ending a sports season can invoke different emotions - from honoring the accomplishments of the team and individuals, to saying farewell to beloved seniors, to looking ahead to next season.
Adding to the normal routines of an awards banquet, the California volleyball team got to enjoy a "pregame" treat when the players, coaches and parents gathered at the school Nov. 11 to celebrate the Pintos' 2014 season.
Before the banquet, the booster's club provided fresh pie, vanilla ice cream and all the necessary toppings, including strawberry sauce, caramel, butterscotch and sprinkles. Needless to say, the dessert line was a huge success.
"It was fantastic," said sophomore libero Kayla Allison, adding that she planned to go back for seconds. "The ice cream really topped it off."
Once the desserts were finished, head volleyball coach Julie Bailey began the ceremony. The Pintos finished 16-12-4 and tied for the Tri-County Conference title. Their season ended with a loss to Blair Oaks in a district semifinal.
"The girls work hard all year, between camps, open gyms and weight lifting," Bailey said. "They dedicated a lot of their life and time to making themselves better and more competitive. You have to honor that commitment. That's also a valuable life skill, to realize hard work pays off."
The varsity awards were highlighted by Allison, who won the Digging Award and Passing Award. Junior Madilyn Safley (Setting Award), junior Adrienne Strickfaden (Serving Award) and sophomore Cameron Meyer (Hitting Award) also were honored.
The team awards were an added bonus for Allison, whose other accolades include Conference MVP, All-District Second Team and All-Region Honorable Mention.
"It really shows all the hard work I put into practices," she said. "I'm going to keep working harder. I'm just looking to progress as my years in high school go on."
Strickfaden, a middle hitter, also was named All-Region Honorable Mention.
California's volleyball team only had two seniors, Morgan Henley and Kamryn Koetting.
"We're going to miss our seniors," Bailey said. "I teach at the high school, so I see Morgan and Kamryn every day, but you still know they're moving on and they're not going to be here, when it's time to start practicing again. You can't replace that."
While Koetting has already joined the basketball team, Henley's athletic career at California is done. She plans to attend the University of Missouri next year.
"It's kind of bittersweet, but I'm ready to move on," Henley said. "I'm going to miss my teammates and the sport. Volleyball is my favorite. We had a pretty good year. It was fun."
The junior varsity A-Team honored Ellie Wirts (Digging and Passing), Brooke Lage (Hitting), Monica Whitson (Serving) and Carlie Bleich (Setting).
The B-Team honorees were Caitlin Halsey (Hitting and Serving), Maria Lemus (Digging and Setting), Addison Embry (Most Improved) and Abby Porter (Best Attitude).