For seniors Amiyah Jones and Gabrielle Hines, their final seasons of high school athletics have provided opportunities to look back on the experiences that have shaped them while also preparing for what comes next. Jones, a senior striker and center back for the Girls Varsity Soccer team, and Hines, a senior outside hitter for Girls Varsity Volleyball, have both taken on leadership roles while creating memories with the teammates they have grown alongside.
For Jones, one of her favorite memories came when West Haven hosted the SCC finals at its field. That same night, she was also recognized as First Team All-SCC. “Between being rewarded first team All-SCC and being able to watch the finals game with my friends all in the same night is exciting,” Jones said. “And seeing my friends from other schools coming to watch the finals as well is always fun.”
Hines reflected on a different kind of team memory, looking back on senior night from her previous volleyball season. “It was a very wholesome day just seeing the girls I’ve grown and came in with celebrating their last year playing high school volleyball,” Hines said. “And being able to share tears, laughter and excitement all in one day with them was the best feeling.”
While their favorite memories come from different moments, both athletes have also learned valuable lessons through their roles as captains. For Jones, leadership has shown her how much a captain’s behavior can affect an entire team. “Something that I've learned being captain is that everything matters more than you think. From your words to your actions, bringing in negative energy not only impacts you but it impacts your team and our performance,” she said.
Hines has learned the importance of accountability while balancing her responsibilities on and off the court. “One thing I learned from being a captain is accountability. Showing up and being accountable for any ups and downs the team has,” Hines said. “Another one is time management, always showing up on time for my team while also managing my life outside of volleyball.”
Both athletes are also looking ahead to their lives after West Haven High School. Jones plans to continue playing college soccer while studying in the healthcare field. Hines plans to attend college away from home and major in exercise science.
The people closest to them have also played an important role in helping shape who they are today. Jones credits her mom for the sacrifices she has made throughout her life. “Late nights and early mornings driving me from place to place and sacrificing time she can easily spend on herself on me is truly a blessing,” Jones said. “I hope that one day I can give it all back to her ten fold.”
For Hines, that support comes from her mom, dad and grandmother. “Teaching me how to be independent, help others and always speak my mind,” Hines said. “On and off the court.”
As Jones and Hines prepare for the next chapter beyond high school, their experiences as student-athletes have given them memories to carry forward and lessons they can apply well beyond their respective fields. Both seniors now have their sights set on college, with each pursuing a path that will allow them to continue building on what they have learned throughout their high school careers.