Massena Raiders applaud graduating volleyball players
The Massena Raiders recognized seven graduating senior players during their Oct. 17 home game against Brushton-Moira – Quoya Rourke, Ava Larue, Ella Murtaugh, Keely Bova, Payton Benson and Sydney Cardinal.
"I would like to thank Coach Clookey and her team along with the officials for allowing us to take the time to recognize our seniors. Congratulations to Brushton-Moira's seniors as well," Massena Head Coach Nicole Deshaies said. "I am extremely proud of each of you! Again, thank you to everyone for supporting our players this season and seniors, congratulations!"
"I have had the pleasure of working with some of these players for three years and during that time I have witnessed them grow and persevere through so much. We have laughed together, cried together, and learned so much together. This year has seemed like my family of three turned into a family of 15!" Coach Deshaies added.
In addition to the players, the Raiders paid tribute to Brooke Boice, who has been the team manager for two years. She is also a member of the varsity softball team, the cross current youth group, and is a St. Lawrence County Teen Ambassador for Massena. She enjoys photography and plans to become a Child Life Specialist to help children navigate their health journey.
"Thank you for always being by my side to do the book and help out," Coach Deshaies said.
Quoya Rourke-Square is an outside hitter playing her first year of varsity volleyball. The coach said she "has been a great addition to our program this year as she is a calm level-headed outside hitter that is willing to put the hard work in." Quoya will never forget that every point is a new game and she wants the future Lady Raiders to remember to always practice like you play because you never know when your last practice or game will be, the coach wrote. She plans to attend college and plans to work in a field with children. Quoya said that her most embarrassing moments have come when she goes up to hit the ball and completely misses it.
"You bring a sense of peace to this team and I am so happy to have had this opportunity to work with you this year. I am a bit sad that we only had this year together, but am so happy to have had this time with you," Deshaies said.
Middle hitter Sydney Cardinal is in her second year on the varsity team. She helps out with the school musicals, enjoys art courses, and is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate courses. She is heavily involved in the Cross Current youth group and plays keyboard for the New Testament Church. She enjoys going on the mission trips. Her favorite one was in Africa, the coach said. She plans on taking a gap year to attend the ePortland Bible College and then would like to pursue a degree in elementary education at SUNY Potsdam. She wants to be a second grade teacher.
Weak side hitter Ava LaRue is in her second year on the varsity team. She is a member of the student council, Link Crew, and she also dances at Tap to Toe Studio of Dance. She keeps busy while participating in the musical, taking IB courses, and working. She plans to go to college for biomedical science. She said that her future entails helping others because that is what she loves to do, the coach said.
"Your sense of humor and smile are contagious. I am so proud of you and am excited to see all the good you will bring to the people around you," Coach Deshaies said.
Keely Bova is also a weak side hitter and she has been on the varsity team for three years. She plans on attending college and majoring in the criminal justice behavior and law program to become a forensics investigator. She is a member of the softball team, and the student council as the senior representative. She is in the National Honor Society and is taking IB courses.
"You are truly one of a kind and you have made a lasting imprint in my heart. You wear your heart on your sleeve and are always wanting to do better. I love your passion for the game and don't worry, I will be sure to keep our yearly Dairy Queen tradition alive," Deshaies said.
Ella Murtagh is an outside hitter that has been on the varsity roster for the past four years and is one a team captain. She plays club volleyball for Seaway Smash and is also on the varsity basketball team. She is the secretary of the National Honor Society, and is part of the PALS program along with Interact Club, Student Council, Link Crew, Learn to Lead, and the Spanish National Honors Society. She is also an honors student taking IB courses. She plans on attending college to become an early childhood special education teacher and she is hoping to possibly play volleyball. "You and I share a love for volleyball and helping children. I can only hope that someday I will see you in the classroom teaching and maybe someday coaching," Deshaies said. "Thank you Ella for coming into my life. I cannot wait to see what you accomplish," the coach said.
Payton Benson is also a four-year varsity veteran and team captain who runs the defense as this year's libero. During the off season, Payton plays for the Seaway Smash Club Volleyball team. She is part of the New Visions program at Seaway Teach and she will also be graduating with four IB courses. She plans to attend college and major in radiation therapy or nursing. She hopes to play volleyball in college. "It has been a pleasure watching you become that positive role model that you want the younger girls to have. I know that you have influenced so many of our younger girls in such a positive way and I look forward to seeing them step up and spread their wings like you. You are a true leader that has a heart of gold," Deshaies said.
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