As you step onto the field, the roar of the crowd fades, and all that matters is the game ahead; this could be your last chance to wear the Westminster jersey. The playoff season at Westminster is a time when athletes push their limits, strive for excellence, and reflect on their collective and individual accomplishments. This season was no exception, with athletes highlighting their performances and the team’s overall success, showing what it means to play for something bigger than the game.
For senior Lucy Johnson, a star of the varsity girls cross country team, which finished in third place this season, the regionals were the culmination of a season marked by personal milestones.
“This season I’m proud of myself for running under 19 minutes two times and keeping a consistent weekly mileage and running schedule,” said Johnson. The highlight of the playoffs for Lucy came when she placed second individually, a moment she found both rewarding and fulfilling.
Ninth grader Declan Schuette, a key member of the boys cross country team, which is among the most prestigious in Georgia, reflected on his season.
“I am proud of recovering from an injury,” said Scheutte. “My time dropped from 18:51 to 17:12.” Scheutte’s progress was a key factor in his team’s strong playoff performance, as they finished third in the state, higher than their projected fifth-place finish.
Junior Caleb Patterson also stood out, not just for his athletic accomplishments but for the pride he took in representing Westminster’s esteemed cross country program at the state meet.
“I think the highlight of the playoffs was actually running in the state meet.” said Patterson. “Running for a prestigious, historical, amazing cross country program, and to be able to represent them at the state meet meant a lot to me.”
This year was especially significant for Caleb, as it was his first year on varsity. He also reflected on a personal milestone.
“I’m most proud of breaking 18 [minutes] for the first time because I was three seconds off freshman year but failed to break 18 [minutes] during my sophomore season,” he said. “Being able to break it twice was something I was very proud of during my season.”
For senior Sophia Jo, a star of the varsity volleyball team, her final season was a bittersweet experience.
“The highlight of the playoffs was definitely the Pace game,” said Jo. “Even though it was the last game of the season and my career here at Westminster, it showed me a lot about playing for everyone else around me and, overall, the resilience that we displayed was admirable.”
Moreover, her final season was marked not only by unexpected recognition but also by a deeper sense of purpose.
“Wearing the Westminster jersey, I received a lot more awards than I was anticipating, and while I’m incredibly grateful for the accolades, playing for my team and for the glory of God is what has given me an overwhelming sense of fulfillment,” said Jo.
Senior Nigel Shoyoye, a first-year varsity athlete for the football team, reflected on his playoff experience, highlighting the shift in energy leading into the first round. The football team snatched a spot in the playoffs in the last regular season game against Centennial.
“My biggest playoff highlight was honestly the two weeks of practice heading into the first round,” he said. “There was a different energy on Kent Field, and you could tell the whole team put in a different level of effort to try and win.”
Even though this was his first year on varsity and his playing time was limited, Nigel took pride in his commitment to the team.
“For my personal season, I am most proud of my commitment to the team both on and off the field,” said Shoyoye. “This was my first year on varsity, and honestly, I didn’t see the field much, but I didn’t let that stop me from working every day to try to get better.”
While individual growth and personal milestones were important for these athletes, it was the collective achievement of making the playoffs that defined this season. Every athlete contributed to the team’s success, whether it was by breaking personal records, recovering from injuries, or supporting teammates in their efforts. The playoff season at Westminster highlighted not only the athletes’ dedication and resilience but also their commitment to the team and their shared goal of success.
Edited by Neil Govin
